Protests Erupt Outside DC Offices in Punjab and Haryana
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Synopsis
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are set to protest outside DC offices following the detention of key leaders and the eviction of long-standing protestors. Internet services have been suspended in affected areas, and security measures are heightened at key borders.
Key Takeaways
- Protests led by KMM and SKM (Non-Political)
- Detention of farmer leaders sparked outrage
- Hunger strikes initiated by detained farmers
- Internet services suspended in Sangrur and Patiala
- Government actions defended as necessary for economic growth
Chandigarh, March 20 (NationPress) The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) alongside the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) declared plans for a demonstration outside the offices of Deputy Commissioners (DC) in Punjab and Haryana on Thursday.
This protest was prompted by the detention of farmer leaders such as Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who were returning from discussions with a Central delegation while farmers were being forcibly removed from their sit-in protest that had persisted for over a year at two vital border points connecting Punjab and Haryana.
Farmers, who had been detained on Wednesday and relocated to various locations, initiated a hunger strike in response.
As a precautionary measure, Internet services were suspended in the districts of Sangrur and Patiala. Enhanced security measures were implemented at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders after police interventions to disperse the protestors.
In a statement condemning the actions taken against farmers by the Bhagwant Mann administration, Satnam Singh Pannu from the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee declared, “Today, we will stage protests outside the Deputy Commissioners' offices in Haryana and Punjab in response to the injustices faced by farmers.”
He criticized the AAP government for aiding in the forced eviction of farmers, claiming it was done in collaboration with or under directives from the Modi government.
“Both the Bhagwant Mann and Modi governments will bear serious consequences for their actions,” he cautioned.
Several farmer leaders announced plans for a blockade across Punjab as a form of protest.
Gurdeep Singh, a representative for SKM (Non-Political), mentioned that farmer leaders have begun a hunger strike while in police custody.
Defending the government's actions, Harpal Cheema, the state Finance Minister, stated that these measures were essential for the state's economic progress.
“We must also address the issue of unemployment,” he added. Prior to the police's actions, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang advocated for a collaborative and constructive dialogue to tackle the ongoing challenges faced by farmers.
He emphasized that Punjab’s borders have been closed for over a year, resulting in substantial economic downturns, diminished investments, and a drop in tourism. “The blockage of Punjab’s borders, especially at Shambhu, has not only led to financial difficulties but has also negatively impacted religious tourism. The influx of visitors to sacred sites like Darbar Sahib has significantly decreased. Moreover, the critical challenge remains the absence of investment, which is fundamentally linked to industrial growth and job creation. This issue is urgent as unemployment is a primary factor contributing to drug abuse in Punjab,” he explained.
