Anti-drug activist's murder: Markets, private schools shut at many places after 'Punjab Bandh' call
A 'Punjab Bandh' was observed across several districts in Punjab following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was killed while exposing illegal drug sales. The shutdown, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has intensified political pressure on the Bhagwant Mann-led government regarding the state's drug crisis and law enforcement.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the volatile intersection of narcotrafficking, civil activism, and political instability in Punjab ahead of upcoming state elections. It underscores growing public and opposition dissatisfaction with the state's handling of the drug menace and law and order.
Markets at many places remained shut, and private schools in several districts were closed in Punjab on Thursday (October 15, 2026) in view of a bandh called over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
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Jhota's family had given the call for 'Punjab Bandh' with support from political parties including Congress, Akali Dal, BJP and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De; farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other farmers' unions; and State government employees' unions.
Jhota, known for raising his voice against drug abuse and the illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops, was shot in broad daylight at a busy marketplace in Mansa town on Tuesday (October 13).
Ashwani Kumar, the medical store owner who allegedly opened fire on Jhota, was taken into custody from Rajasthan's Salasar on Wednesday.
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