Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Farmers led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) continued their protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Punjab’s Sangrur, questioning the state government over its plans to use drones to monitor stubble burning while demanding a concrete solution for stubble management.
The farmers have blocked all three gates of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and are sitting in protest over 13 demands. A large number of farmers, including women, have joined the demonstration, with protesters preventing officials and employees from entering the premises.
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BK Ugrahan state president Joginder Singh Ugrahan questioned the administration’s approach to stubble management, saying that while officials were preparing to deploy drones to monitor farmers’ fields, there was no adequate arrangement for the disposal and management of stubble.
Ugrahan said farmers know how to cultivate their fields and also understand the problems they face. He questioned why the administration was focusing on surveillance instead of ensuring effective arrangements for stubble management.
The farmers said their protest had been continuing since Tuesday. On Tuesday night, protesters also demonstrated outside Sangrur Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur’s residence until around 10 pm before burning an effigy to register their protest.
WOMEN FARMERS TARGET PUNJAB GOVERNMENT
Women farmers participating in the protest also criticised the Punjab government over its proposed Rs 1,000 financial assistance for women ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
They said women want their rights and solutions to their problems rather than merely financial assistance. They also urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to address the drug problem in villages, saying addiction has caused several families to lose their sons.
The women farmers also questioned the Deputy Commissioner for not coming to the protest site and addressing their concerns.
FARMERS SEEK ACTION ON 13 DEMANDS
The farmers have said they will continue their protest until the government gives them concrete assurances on their 13 demands.
Ugrahan said the Punjab government had sent a letter regarding a meeting with the farmers’ organisation. According to him, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian are expected to participate.
However, there is a discrepancy over the date of the proposed meeting. One piece of information mentions October 13 at 11 am at Punjab Bhawan, while Ugrahan’s statement refers to October 11. The final date is yet to be officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, Ugrahan also raised the issue of rising farmer debt and alleged that government policies were making farming increasingly difficult.
With the three gates of the Sangrur DC office blocked, the farmers have made it clear that the protest will continue until their demands are addressed and the government provides concrete assurances.
– Ends
with inputs from Kulveer Singh
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
