Clash over land dispute in Attari village, victims allege Akali role

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 26

Five persons were injured in a clash between two groups over the occupation of shamlat land at Achint Kot village in Attari block this morning.

The seriously injured belonged to a reserved community. They have been identified as Jagdish Singh, Malkiat Singh, Satnam Singh, Dhiyan Singh and Wariam Singh. They received head injuries and multiple fractures and were admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar.

The victims alleged they were attacked at the behest of a state Cabinet Minister. It is being claimed that they were targeted by a group of armed Jat Sikh Akali workers supported by village sarpanch Amrik Singh and head constable (munshi) Zorawar Singh posted at the Khasa police station.

There are around 40 houses situated on a 5- acre shamlat land. The victims claimed they had been living there since 1973. They alleged they were threatened to cut ties with the Congress and join the Akali Dal or they would be evicted.

Jasdeep Singh, SSP (rural), said around 10 persons had been round up. The main accused, sarpanch Amrik Singh and panchayat member Harjit Singh (constable’s brother) had been arrested, he said.

“We have registered a case under various sections of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The other alleged accused, Zorawar Singh, was on leave. He would be questioned once he rejoins the duty,” he said.

Dr Raj Kumar Verka, Vice-Chairman, National SC Commission, and several Congress supporters, including district rural Congress president Gurjeet Singh Aujla, visited the injured.

Aujla alleged the police and revenue officials refrained from taking action under political pressure.