Sugarcane growers lift dharna

Our Correspondent

Hoshiarpur, October 2

Acceding to appeal of the district administration, protesting sugarcane growers decided to lift dharna on Jalandhar-Pathankot National Highway in Mukerian Thursday evening. On directions of the administration, the management of the Mukerian Sugar Mill transferred Rs2.5 crore into accounts of surgarcane farmers yesterday evening and another amount of Rs 2.5 crore.

Farmers decided to stop their protest after ADC (G) Vishesh Sarangal held four rounds of deliberations with them, which lasted for 10 hours. After farmers stopped their protest traffic was streamlined on one of the busiest highways in the state.

During four-round of parleys with farmers, Sarangal also formed a local-level committee under the SDM concerned, general manager of the mill and a few representatives of farmers’ union, which would convene monthly meetings to avoid such protests in future.

Sarangal said, “A meeting was held with farmers’ representatives, sugar mill management and officers. It has been decided at the meeting that the mill management will clear all dues of farmers within next 10 days. Farmers should bring such issues into the notice of the district administration,” he added.