Pramod Tiwari: Farmers' Eviction in Punjab Echoes General Dyer's Actions

Synopsis

On March 20, Pramod Tiwari condemned the brutal eviction of farmers in Punjab, drawing parallels to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He criticized the government for its inhumane actions and expressed strong support for the farmers' rights.

Key Takeaways

Pramod Tiwari likened the farmers' eviction to the Jallianwala Bagh incident.
The Punjab government faced backlash for its handling of the farmers' protests.
Thousands of police were deployed to forcibly remove 700 farmers at night.
The Congress party supports the farmers and their demands.
Tiwari criticized the government's failure to engage in peaceful dialogue.

New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Following the forceful eviction of farmers from protest sites in Punjab, the Congress party has expressed strong disapproval. Senior Congress figure Pramod Tiwari remarked on Thursday that the actions taken against the farmers were brutal and reminiscent of the Jallianwala Bagh incident.

In a statement to IANS, Tiwari stated, "The government's measures in Punjab are reminiscent of General Dyer's actions during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where individuals were treated with cruelty. Such behavior is unjustifiable. It is essential to comprehend the unfolding events."

Tiwari criticized the Punjab government for its approach to the farmers' situation, noting that the Chief Minister initially extended an invitation to the farmers for discussions at his residence, only to later subject them to humiliation.

"The same Chief Minister then proceeded to Delhi to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. It seems he sought guidance on how to forcibly remove protestors from the borders of Delhi," Tiwari informed IANS.

According to Tiwari, the collaboration between the Punjab administration and the central BJP government resulted in the deployment of thousands of police officers to evict a group of 700 farmers at night using bulldozers and baton charges.

"Among those removed was Dallewal, who was on a hunger strike and in a weakening state. The police employed excessive force, which was neither a peaceful nor lawful method of resolving the issue," he added.

Tiwari also questioned the rationale behind the Punjab government's actions. "While the government argues that this was essential for the state's commerce and people's free movement, the brutal and inhumane manner in which it was executed is indefensible," he stated.

"Why wasn’t a peaceful dialogue initiated? Why wasn’t there an attempt to negotiate with the farmers during daylight and offer them alternatives?"

The Congress leader emphasized that while violence should never be justified, the cruelty directed at the farmers was intolerable.

"The Punjab government ought to have engaged in discussions during the day, providing solutions rather than resorting to violence under the cover of darkness," he remarked.

Tiwari reiterated that Congress stands united with the farmers and their rightful demands. He expressed grave concern over the handling of the situation, labeling it a gross misuse of power against peaceful protestors. "Congress will persist in supporting the farmers and advocating for the recognition of their valid concerns," he added.

The farmer leaders were detained after a meeting with the Centre on Wednesday, which did not yield a conclusive outcome. They subsequently moved towards the Shambhu border for further protests. However, as they advanced, their convoy was intercepted by Punjab Police in Mohali and taken into custody.

Subsequently, the Punjab Police initiated an operation to clear protest sites at the Khanauri and Shambhu border points, where farmers have been voicing their opposition to farm laws and other issues. By 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, both locations were entirely cleared.