Days after Punjab Congress leader Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead not too far from his home, chief minister Bhagwant Mann met his grieving father in their native village in the Mansa district. Heavy security arrangements have been made in the singer-politician’s native village for the Mann’s visit. The young rapper was killed on Sunday, a day after his security was scaled down by the state.
The chief minister was seen sitting next to Balkaur Singh, the Congress leader’s father, soon after he reached their house. Earlier this week, Balkaur Singh had written to the chief minister over the killing.
Protests erupted outside Sidhu Moose Wala’s house on Friday morning against the police and the state government. Locals were angered by the blockade done around the house. The police were accused of stopping the relatives from entering the home. AAP MLA Gurpreet Banawali was also stopped by protesters, but the AAP leader apologised on behalf of the cops.
The Congress has been blaming the ruling government for the killing, and seeking a probe by a central agency – a demand that has been raised by Moose Wala’s family too.
Punjab | Locals protest against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s visit to the residence of singer Sidhu Moose Wala in Mansa
Punjab | Locals protest against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's visit to the residence of singer Sidhu Moose Wala in Mansa
The family is cooperating with us and they are saying that they will meet the CM, says District Commissioner Mansa, Jaspreet Singh. pic.twitter.com/oZL9TjYxah
On Wednesday, a delegation – led by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring – had met governor Banwari Lal Purohit in this regard. Leader of opposition in the state assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, had also attacked the AAP for not meeting the grieving family. “It’s been four days and not one M.P or Minister of ruling party AAP has visited the house of Sidhu Moosewala and stood by the family in this hour of grief. CM Bhagwant Mann ji is this what you meant when you said our Govt will be for AAM AADMI? (sic)” the Congress leader tweeted on Wednesday.
Later on Thursday, Punjab finance minister Harpal Cheema and rural development minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal visited the singer-politician’s house and expressed grief upon meeting his father.
The state’s decision to downgrade the security of over 400 VIPs – in what was pitched as a move against “VIP culture” – has drawn wide criticism after the Moose Wala killing.
On Thursday, the Punjab and Haryana high court told the government to take back the order.
“I welcome the decision of Honourable Punjab and Haryana High Court to restore back security of all 424 individuals. It’s high time that CM Bhagwant Mann relinquishes charge as Home Minister and gives it to someone more competent & professional. (sic),” Bajwa tweeted after the court order.
