Centre, state govt to blame for destruction caused by floods, says jailed Amritpal's father

Akali Dal Waris Punjab De on Monday blamed both the Centre and the Punjab Government for the widespread destruction caused by the recent floods in the state. On the occasion, it also criticised the rejection of parole for Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh.

Addressing a press conference, Tarsem Singh, father of Amritpal Singh, alleged that negligence in maintaining embankments, drainage systems and dams led to large-scale damage. He said about 1,500-2,000 villages, 3 to 4 lakh people and nearly 3 lakh acres of farmland were affected by the floods with losses being pegged at Rs 13,000-14,000 crore, besides around 50 people losing their lives. He described the Prime Minister’s relief package of Rs 1,600 crore as a “joke” and claimed that delayed release of water from the dams worsened the disaster.

The party also criticised the Centre for rejecting its memorandum seeking a month’s parole for Amritpal Singh to participate in relief work and the release of MPLADS funds. “If an elected MP cannot stand with his people in such times, how can ordinary farmers and workers expect justice?” asked Tarsem Singhasked. Waris Punjab leaders said their volunteers set up 21 relief camps without government help and continue to assist farmers in rehabilitating damaged farmland. The party placed five demands before the governments, a judicial inquiry into the floods, full control of BBMB in Punjab’s hands, a special relief package of Rs 25,000 crore, direct compensation to affected farmers and labourers, and strict action against negligent officials.

Tarsem Singh said the party would continue to struggle until these demands are met.