Farmers' agitation: Effigies of PM Narendra Modi, Haryana CM ML Khattar burnt in Palwal

Tribune Reporters

Palwal/Karnal, February 23

Farmers and residents under the banner of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) burnt the effigies of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Haryana here today in protest against the use of force to quell the agitation of the farmers and death of a youth recently.

Alleging repressive measures against the agitating farmers, the protesters said wrong policies and moves of both the state and the Union governments had led to a situation that was posing threat not only to the democratic rights but also to the lives of innocent persons demanding justice.

Addressing the protesters Dharam Chand Ghugera, a local leader of the SKM, said that instead of giving any relief to food growers, the government had adopted a stubborn and oppressive stand and had been using force to silence the voice of the farmers. He said while the death of a person had been unfortunate, he claimed that this would force the people to continue the agitation. He said the farmers were demanding the legal guarantee of MSP of all crops and relief from the debt, which was justified and needed to be accepted. A condolence meeting was held where the protesters paid tribute to the deceased, Shubhakaran, who died after being shot allegedly by the police shot at the Khanauri border.

He said the farmers from the district would take part in the upcoming national-level panchayat of the farmers to be held at Ramlila Ground in Delhi on March 14. The agitation would continue till the demands were met, it was claimed.

Karnal: Farmers under the banner of SKM observed 'black day' on Friday and protested in different places in Kanal and Kaithal districts. They burnt the effigies of the PM, CM and that of the Home Minister of Haryana.

A group of farmers staged dharna near Peont toll plaza and burnt the effigies, and condemned the police action on farmers of Punjab who wanted to go to Delhi to raise their voice. They also paid tribute to young protester who died allegedly due to police action at Khanauri border two days ago.

Farmer leaders Jagdeep Aulakh and Bahadur Mehla Baldi crticised the government on this issue and said the farmers of Punjab were being treated like enemies. The government should fulfil the promises of an enactment of a law ensuring the MSP. "It should stop tarnishing the image of the farmers," said Aulakh.

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