Rs 43-cr Pending sugarcane dues : BKU leaders to gherao Phagwara SDM's office today

Jalandhar, August 22

Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, Doaba, today announced to gherao the office of the Phagwara SDM tomorrow over Rs 43-crore pending sugarcane dues for the past five years.

SDM Jai Inder Singh yesterday said a notice had been issued to sugar mill owners to vacate the properties. The auction process was set to start.

However, BKU, Doaba, members, led by president Manjit S Rai, said: “It might not solve the purpose as a larger chunk of the attached property had already been sold with the connivance of government officials. So, we will gherao the SDM office”.

Taking up another issue, Rai said: “A SAD leader, who was earlier with the Aam Aadmi Party, had indulged in illegal mining in Jalandhar Cantonment villages, including Kukad Pind and Hardophrala.

“Though he had a contract to dig up earth up to 7 feet, he went up to 30-32 feet. We took up the issue with the administration and the AAP leadership, but to no avail. We gave 10-day time to government. If no action is taken, we will hold massive protests,” Rai warned.