Mansa: Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann raised questions over the Punjab government’s accountability, police functioning and the circumstances surrounding the shooting of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota during his address at the Mansa Insaf Morcha.
Mann questioned how the government could escape responsibility for the spread of drugs and the deteriorating law-and-order situation when local MLAs allegedly influence the appointment of police officers. He called for accountability from the district police administration and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also handles the Home Department.
Questions Raised Over Accused’s Arms Licence
Mann questioned how the accused in the shooting case allegedly obtained a licensed weapon despite reports that criminal cases had previously been registered against him. He demanded clarity on the grounds on which the arms licence was issued and called for an investigation into the police department’s role.
He also sought an inquiry into the alleged delay in taking Parminder Singh Jhota to hospital after he was shot. Mann said investigators should examine whether timely medical treatment could have saved his life.
Demands Probe Into Possible Conspiracy
Mann called for an investigation into the phone conversation the accused allegedly had before the shooting. He questioned whom the accused was speaking to and whether anyone else had a role in the incident.
He stressed that the investigation should not be restricted to the person who allegedly fired the shots. If other individuals were involved in planning or facilitating the crime, Mann said, they should also be identified and brought to justice.
He demanded an impartial investigation into the entire case and legal action against everyone found responsible.
Mann Criticises Political Choices, Raises Punjab’s Autonomy Issue
During his address, Mann also questioned the political choices made by Punjab’s voters, saying people needed to reflect on the governments they elected and the consequences of those decisions.
Referring to the Aam Aadmi Party’s election symbol, the broom, he said Punjab had given up its claim to Patshahi and handed over the reins of the state to Delhi. His remarks reflected his criticism of the state government and what he described as the transfer of Punjab’s political control to the national capital.
Mann also expressed concern over Punjab’s youth falling victim to drug abuse and violence, urging people to think seriously about the state’s future.
Reiterates Stand on Khalistan, Calls for Justice for Jhota’s Family
Mann reiterated his political position on Sikh self-determination and the demand for Khalistan as a separate Sikh homeland. He spoke in favour of a peaceful and democratic struggle for the political objectives he outlined.
Concluding his address, Mann called for justice for Parminder Singh Jhota’s family, demanding a fair and impartial investigation into the shooting and appropriate legal action against all those found responsible.
The allegations and claims mentioned above reflect the points attributed to Mann in the supplied account. The questions surrounding the arms licence, alleged phone conversation, possible conspiracy and delay in medical treatment require independent verification through the official investigation.