Chandigarh-Strongly condemning the arrest of social activists Lakha Sidhana and Mohanjit Singh Sheron, S. Ajaypal Singh Brar, President of Misl Satluj, asserted that no attempt to suppress or weaken the Mansa Morcha would succeed. He declared that all organisations associated with the movement would intensify their efforts and carry forward the struggle with even greater determination and commitment.
Addressing a joint press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, attended by representatives of various social, farmers’, human rights and public-interest organisations, Brar said that Misl Satluj and other participating organisations would wholeheartedly respond to every call given by the Mansa Morcha. "If we were contributing 100 per cent to the movement earlier, we are now prepared to devote 110 to 120 per cent of our commitment to strengthen it further, " he asserted.
Brar expressed serious concern over the alleged misuse of police powers and the registration of cases against individuals raising their voices against injustice and the drug menace. He said Punjab had already endured painful periods of false cases and alleged police repression, and the state must not be allowed to slide back into such an atmosphere.
He announced that a delegation of struggling organisations would soon meet the Governor of Punjab and submit a memorandum seeking the immediate release of both activists, an impartial investigation into the cases registered against them and the withdrawal of any charges found to be baseless. The delegation would also demand an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police officials involved and any possible political interference. He categorically stated that the previously announced programme for November 5 would remain unchanged.
Retired Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge Justice Ranjit Singh, expressing concern over the arrests, said that raising questions about public issues, displaying black flags to the government and seeking justice for aggrieved families were legitimate democratic rights. He emphasised that such voices should not be suppressed through police action and that every incident must be investigated fairly and transparently.
Referring to Lakha Sidhana's earlier interventions in cases of alleged injustice, he recalled his efforts to secure justice for the family of Ranjit Singh, a young man who allegedly died in a fake police encounter in Gurdaspur. He also called for a thorough investigation into the murder of Parminder Singh Jhota, including possible links with the earlier murder of a Drug Inspector in Kharar, and sought a CBI probe to establish the truth.
Justice Ranjit Singh further raised concerns over the reported detention of a minor and the alleged failure to inform the family about the child's whereabouts. He stressed that all safeguards prescribed under the Juvenile Justice Act must be strictly observed. He added that protecting social activists who campaign against drugs was equally important alongside the government's stated commitment to eradicating the drug menace.
The speakers collectively appealed to Punjabis to stand firmly with Lakha Sidhana, Mohanjit Singh Sheron, Akashdeep Singh Phool, Parminder Singh Jhota and their families. They maintained that the struggle was not confined to individuals but concerned the future of Punjab's youth and generations to come.
Bibi Harbans Kaur, mother of Lakha Sidhana, expressed anguish over the withdrawal of security cover provided to her family and sought its immediate restoration, citing concerns about the safety of elderly family members and young children.
Roman Brar from Zira referred to the death of Daljit Singh of Bhamma Kalan, allegedly due to a drug overdose, and explained that the family and villagers had taken the deceased's body to the Mansa Morcha to draw attention to the drug crisis and demand justice. He urged the police to provide transparent information about those arrested and ensure their legal access to family members and lawyers.
Representatives of the International Human Rights Organisation, Sanjha Morcha Zira, Sri Chamkaur Sahib Morcha, Kale Pani Morcha, Team Lakha Sidhana and Public Action Committee Mattewara also participated in the press conference.
Among those present were Amandeep Singh Bains, Kuldeep Singh Khaira, Amarinder Singh Tur, Harjit Singh Khizrabad, Kanwarvir Singh Dhindsa, Satnam Singh and Bhinda, along with other representatives.
The speakers reiterated that Punjab's future demanded collective courage, solidarity and an unwavering commitment to justice, human rights and a drug-free society.