Mansa : The mood at Tinkoni , Mansa, where Bhim Singh and members of the action committee seeking justice for Parwinder Singh Jhota are protesting, is solemn but upbeat.




Five days after the killing of the anti-drug activist, tensions over drug abuse are mounting. Politicians, religious bodies and social organisations are making their way to Mansa to express solidarity with the bereaved family and protest against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) govt.




With support pouring in from various quarters, Bhim Singh is in no mood to back down. “My son’s mortal remains will not be cremated until justice is delivered,” he said.




The letter written by Union home minister Amit Shah seeking a response from the Punjab govt on the issue of drug abuse has come as a shot in the arm for Bhim Singh. He has also received support from the Akal Takht jathedar, who declared Parwinder Singh a martyr of the Sikh Qaum, and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, who announced that the activist’s picture would be displayed in the Central Sikh Museum.




Warmly welcoming Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ekta Ugrahan president Joginder Singh Ugrahan and BKU Ekta Sidhupur president Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the site, Bhim Singh said he was deeply influenced by their contributions to farmers’ movements.




Amid all this, he continues to pay attention to his two grandchildren, encouraging them to read the scriptures and stand up for a noble cause.




The bereaved father recently turned down the SGPC’s offer of financial assistance and asked the organisation to help four others who were injured in the shootout. He also met two of his son’s associates, who are undergoing treatment at Mansa civil hospital for injuries caused by bullet splinters.