Hans News Service Chandigarh

ThePunjab Assembly on Thursday paid tributes to anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was killed last week by a medical store owner in Mansa, with the Speaker describing him as a “buland awaz” (strong voice) against those peddling poison in the form of drugs.

The first day of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session concluded within 10 minutes. Following obituary references, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan adjourned the sitting till Friday. Earlier, Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices and other business was proposed to be taken up after obituary references. During the session, the House paid tributes to Jhota. Speaker Kultar Singh Randhawa said Jhota, a former kabaddi player and boxer, who raised voice against the drug menace, died on October 13.

“A ‘buland awaz’ against those selling poison in the form of drugs, Parvinder Singh Jhotaa, a social worker, former Kabaddi player and boxer, died in a tragic incident on October 13. His invaluable contribution towards safeguarding the youths of Punjab and his fight against drug traffickers will remain immortal in the pages of history forever.

His great contribution can never be forgotten,” he said. Coming generations will always remember his selfless contribution. This House, while strongly condemning the tragic incident, pays tributes to him, the Speaker said. Known for raising his voice against the illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops, Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight inside a medical store at a busy marketplace in Mansa on October 13.