After SYL, we will fight for Chandigarh, says Abhay

Nitish Sharma

Tribune news Service

Ambala, February 23

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has made it clear that it will not end its struggle and will get the state its share in Punjab river water at any cost. It also announced that after the SYL canal, it will struggle for the state’s right over Chandigarh.

The INLD had organised a ‘Jal Yudh Sammelan’ at the local vegetable market before taking out a march towards Punjab to dig the SYL canal.

Thousands of workers had reached here to participate in the march. The numbers were, however, well short of the claims made by the INLD. With spades in their hands, they had reached here on tractor-trailers.

Addressing the gathering, INLD leader Abhay Chautala criticised the state units of Congress and BJP for not supporting his party on the issue. He said, “Devi Lal had struggled for the SYL but no other political party ever helped him. We should have got our share of water years ago but it became a political issue. The Congress did nothing to get the water during its regime. The Supreme Court has repeatedly given its verdict in the favour of Haryana and we will take our right.”

“BJP leaders say we are playing gimmicks, but they are not making any effort on their part to get the state its share of water. The BJP has tried to harm the brotherhood in Haryana. The government has been looting farmers. They have been looting this state in the name of golden jubilee celebrations, Gita and Saraswati,” he alleged. Directing the party workers, Abhay said, “Teach a good lesson to the leaders of Punjab who have said that they will not give a single drop of water to us. When leaders from Punjab enter Haryana, deflate the tyres of their vehicles and tell them that you have ignored us, now you suffer too.”

Abhay said, “We don’t want to disturb the law and order situation. Our fight is for water and we know how to go about it. Our fight for rights will not end here. After the SYL canal, we will struggle for the state’s right over its capital Chandigarh.”

State INLD chief Ashok Arora said they were not seeking alms as SYL water was their right. He held Capt Amarinder Singh, the Congress and the BJP responsible for the situation. He said, “Amarinder Singh should apologise to the people of Haryana for stopping the water from flowing into Haryana.”