Chandumajra writes to Governor over farmers' protest

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) senior leader and former Member of Parliament Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra on Saturday expressed anguish over the treatment being meted out to farmers protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders for several months.

In a letter addressed to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, he urged him to play a proactive role in facilitating dialogue between the farmers and the Centre for a meaningful resolution of their demands.

He condemned the use of water cannons and tear gas shells on farmers, calling it “regrettable and akin to behaviour reserved for enemies of the state”. He said the prolonged agitation and the lack of governmental engagement had aggravated the plight of the farmers.

Referring to the ongoing fast by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Chandumajra said a tense situation was developing in the state and pressed the Governor to intervene immediately. He urged the Governor to convey the farmers’ demands to the Centre to ensure swift resolution of the crisis.

Chandumajra also criticised the state government for its failure to address the farmers’ issues or facilitate a meeting between Punjab’s farmers and the Centre.

Highlighting the role played by the Punjab Chief Minister during the previous farmers’ agitation, he lamented the current CM Bhagwant Mann’s lack of coordination with the farming community this time. Instead, he alleged, attempts were made to suppress the agitation using administrative pressure.