Zira MLA boycotts oath-taking event of panches citing ‘police-mafia nexus’

FEROZEPUR : The Congress MLA from the Zira segment, Kulbir Singh Zira, on Saturday embarrassed the ruling party by boycotting the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected sarpanches and panches from Ferozepur district saying there was no point in holding such functions.

He left the venue of the function presided over by state finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal soon after addressing the gathering, accusing police of helping the liquor and drug mafia.

“Until the black sheep in khaki are dealt with sternly, the dream of chief minister Amarinder Singh to make Punjab drug-free can’t be achieved,” he said while addressing the gathering.

“Many genuine Congress workers from the Zira assembly segment had moved from pillar to post to get cancelled the false liquor smuggling FIRS but none got relief. But the cases against aides of liquor sharks such as Shiv Lal Doda were cancelled at the behest of senior police officials who got bribes,” he said.

“The sarpanches, panches, block samiti and zila parishad members cannot end drug trade in the state as those in uniform are collecting money on monthly basis to facilitate the anti-social elements,” he said.

“My conscience does not allow me to be the part of today’s oath-taking ceremony,” he said before moving out of the venue.

“More than four dozen illegal liquor vends are operating in Zira only. Despite my repeated complaints, police failed to initiate any action. I will take up the matter with the DGP and then CM. If I do not get justice, I will launch an agitation,” he said later.

“Zira’s grievances must be heard. If need be I will raise the issue with the cabinet,” said Manpreet Badal after the event.

Ferozepur SSP Pritam Singh claimed Zira never apprised him about the matter.

Until the black sheep in khaki are dealt with sternly, the dream of CM Amarinder Singh to make Punjab drug-free can’t be achieved.

KULBIR SINGH ZIRA, Cong MLA