Mansa: A major development has emerged on the 23rd day of the protest demanding justice for anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta. After nearly five hours of discussions between Punjab government representatives and the Action Committee, an agreement was reached on several key demands.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and senior police officials attended the meeting.
Under the agreement, the government has assured the release of Lakha Sidhana and other leaders currently in custody. The Action Committee has maintained that Jhotta’s post-mortem and last rites will take place only after their release.
The government has also promised ₹2 crore in compensation to Jhotta’s family and a government job for one family member. Compensation and employment have also been assured to the family of Daljit Singh Bhamme Kalan.
Action Committee media in-charge Hardeep Singh Sidhu said the release of detained leaders was the most important issue during the negotiations.
The government has further agreed to approve a trauma centre in Khiala Kalan in Jhotta’s memory within a week. A high-level inquiry into the conduct of concerned police and health department officials will also be conducted within a specified timeframe.
The parties agreed to establish a memorial or statue in Jhotta’s honour, but not at the incident site, which is private property. The planned November 5 protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence has been postponed for now.
The Action Committee has also demanded unconditional release of the arrested leaders and withdrawal of cases linked to the protest.
