Denied entry, farmers raise slogans

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 21

Left with no other choice, farmers resorted to raising slogans after they were denied entry to the mela ground at Punjab Agricultural University due to strict barricading when Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh was expected to arrive.

Farmers raised slogans twice before the inauguration of the mela — first when the CM was yet to arrive at the venue. Seeing aggression among farmers, the gates were opened for farmers and they were allowed to enter.

After this, the gates were closed again while the CM was viewing the stalls. Getting inpatient once again, farmers who were waiting outside started raising slogans saying “Kisan Ekta Zindabad” and “Capt sarkar murdabaad”.

After hearing the slogans, MP Ravneet Bittu came out and asked the police to open the gates.

Gursewak Singh, a farmer from a village near Mansa, said it was shocking that farmers were not allowed entry despite the mela being organised for them.

“We were made to wait for 40 minutes. Gates were closed even after the CM inaugurated the fair,” he said.

Another farmer Kartar Singh from Saholi village said it was disheartening that VIPs and ministers were allowed to go inside, while farmers who were the real beneficiaries, made to wait outside.

Friday rain plays spoilsport 

Due to Friday’s rain, puddles were seen all over the mela ground. One could see puddles even inside the stalls. As soon as the rush started, a few farmers fell into these puddles, dirtying their clothes.

When Bittu touched head constable Urmila Kant’s feet

It was an emotional moment for Urmila Kanta, who is a Head Constable at the Police Lines, Jagraon, after MP Ravneet Singh Bittu touched her feet at the Mela Ground, PAU, in Ludhiana on Saturday.  Urmila met Bittu for the first time, but the mere mention of former Punjab CM Beant Singh’s name, who was Bittu’s grandfather, made him emotional and he was full of respect for the lady. Urmila lost her father, who served in the Punjab Police, and got the job in the Police Department on compassionate grounds in 1995.  “I went to meet the then CM of Punjab, Beant Singh, and he was very helpful and granted me job on compassionate grounds. I must say, his grandson also possesses the same humbleness and I really got emotional after he touched my feet, which brought tears in my eyes,” said Urmila.  Urmila had gone to meet Bittu to forward the problem of broken roads in Jagraon, wher she mentioned how she got the job in the Police Department. The roads in Jagraon, she said, were in a dilapidated condition making it very difficult to commute. He assured her that the roads would be re-carpeted soon. “I am sure he will keep his word like his grandfather and will get the roads re-carpeted soon,” she said.— Manav Mander