On visit to border villages, Badal comes under fire

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, October 3

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who today visited several border villages in the district, had a tough time in placating the residents who minced no words in putting across their displeasure over problems being faced by them.

The CM was accompanied by PWD Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, former state BJP chief Kamal Sharma, MLA Joginder Singh and halqa chiefs Vardev Mann and Sukhpal Nannu.

Badal first visited Tindiwala village, situated along the zero line, to take stock of the situation in the aftermath of surgical strikes and the subsequent evacuation of border villages. Surjit Singh, sarpanch, Gatti Rahimeke village, demanded that adequate arrangement of fodder for livestock and food for male members camping in the villages should be made.

Harjit Singh of Chandiwala asked the CM to fulfill promises made to them, including the transfer of proprietary rights of land under their occupation, extension of road network in border villages and the construction of bridge between Khunder Gatti to Habib Ke.

Another sarpanch Harbhajan Singh said the farmers whose standing crops were damaged due to flooding of their fields were awaiting compensation. Gian Singh of Churiwala demanded tubewell connections on priority.

Several farmers expressed concerns over the lifting of their crop. The CM gave instructions to the officials concerned to redress the issues within the next few days.

Another resident Rajinder Kaur demanded a job as her entire family was eliminated during the militancy period and the only surviving member, her mother, was combating cancer. The CM said job could not be given, but the government would provide monetary assistance.