Farmers flay govt for not fulfilling demands

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 13

Hundreds of farmers under the banner of the Krantikari Kisan Union held a protest  today near Polo Ground  in favour of implementation of their long pending demands. 

After gathering near Passiana Bridge on Patiala-Sangrur road, agitating farmers marched towards the CM’s residence. However, the police stopped the agitators near Polo Ground.

The union members raised slogans against the state government. It is pertinent to mention that the farmer unions had submitted a memorandum, in this regard, to most of the MLAs. 

Union leader Jung Singh said, “Due to lack of pro-agriculture policy in the state, farmers are debt-ridden and committing suicide. The present government is not serious about farmers’ issues.”

Harwinder Singh, a protesting farmer said, “Kin of farmers who committed suicide should be given Rs 10 lakh compensation, a government job and complete loan waiver.”

The protesters called off their protest after submitting a memorandum of 50 demands to Rajesh Kumar, Officer on Special Duty.

Their major demands included to allow sowing of paddy from June 1; Rs 2-lakh loan waiver for farmers having five acre should be applied without any condition; return signed blank cheques or pre-notes taken by banks and commission agents; court cases related to cheque bounce should be withdrawn.