Jhota Murder: Brooms, Effigies of Mann, Kejriwal Burnt Across Punjab on Day 13ਝੋਟਾ ਕਤਲ: ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭਰ 'ਚ ਝਾੜੂ ਤੇ ਮਾਨ-ਕੇਜਰੀਵਾਲ ਦੇ ਪੁਤਲੇ ਸਾੜੇ, ਅੰਦੋਲਨ 13ਵੇਂ ਦਿਨ

Protesters across Punjab burned brooms, the Aam Aadmi Party's election symbol, and effigies of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday, 25 October, as the agitation over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota entered its 13th day in Mansa.

What happened on Sunday?

Acting on a call from the action committee leading the agitation, people were asked to burn brooms in villages and towns between noon and 7 pm and to gather near the Deputy Commissioner's residence in Mansa at 2 pm, The Tribune reported. The committee also appealed for peace. ETV Bharat quoted a committee representative at the Mansa rally as saying the process of driving the broom out of Punjab had begun, and organisers warned of a boycott of the ruling party in villages if justice is not delivered.

Where else did protests take place?

In Amritsar, activists of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), led by Sarwan Singh Pandher, and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) protested at the Golden Gate and Verka bypass, Hindustan Times reported. KMSC said it would intensify the agitation if the government does not accept the family's demands. Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, led the protest in Mansa.

What is the deadlock?

Jhota was shot dead on 13 October at a medical store in Mansa while hosting a Facebook Live session. His body remains in the Civil Hospital mortuary because the family and the committee refuse a post-mortem until their demands are met. These include the resignations of the Chief Minister and DGP Gaurav Yadav and action against Mansa SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary. Three rounds of talks with a state government panel have not broken the impasse. Four people, including chemist Ashwani Kumar, the main accused, are in custody in the CBI case.

What did the Akal Takht say?

Acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj appealed to the community to hold congregations at gurdwaras in India and abroad on 28 October and pray for justice for Jhota and for the well-being of Punjab's youth, HT reported. He said governments must take special measures to help young people overcome addiction.

When will Jhota's body be cremated?

Not yet. The family says it will not consent to a post-mortem or cremation until its demands are met, and the deadlock has run for 13 days.

Who is leading the protests?

A local Insaaf Committee in Mansa leads the sit-ins, backed by KMSC, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and other groups.

What is the Oct 28 call about?

The Akal Takht jathedar has asked for prayer gatherings at gurdwaras on 28 October for justice in the Jhota case and for Punjab's youth.