Farmers protest proposal to shift state special operation cell in Punjab

Farmers have opposed the alleged proposal to relocate the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) from Fazilka to Ferozepur. Led by Harish Nadha, vice-president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Dakaunda), the farmers submitted a memorandum to the Fazilka Deputy Commissioner of, demanding the SSOC remain in the district.

In their memorandum, Nadha emphasised the SSOC has played a crucial role in curbing cross-border drug smuggling from Pakistan and neighboring states. He said moving the cell could lead to a resurgence of drug trafficking, with anti-social elements exploiting the change. The farmers said they would be forced to launch an agitation if their demand was not met.

The problem had previously been raised by a deputation of advocates, led by District Bar Association president Shrenik Jain. The group met with Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Internal Security, Shive Kumar Verma, during his visit to Fazilka on December 13. They too submitted a memorandum opposing the move, citing concerns over the sensitive nature of the region and its vulnerability to criminal activities.

Sources suggest the government is considering relocating the SSOC to Lalle village in Ferozepur district, located along the Ferozepur-Moga highway. However, the legal community and local farmers believe this could undermine the ongoing fight against drug smuggling.

The SSOC was established in December 2017 to combat drug smuggling in Punjab's border districts. Fazilka was chosen as a key location due to its proximity to Pakistan and Rajasthan, two major drug trafficking routes. The district has seen a high number of drug seizures, outpacing other SSOCs in Amritsar and Mohali.

SSOC officials report Fazilka has registered the most narcotics seizures and arrests of smugglers, gangsters and associates of criminal syndicates from the nine districts of Punjab covered by the operation. These districts include Ferozepur, Moga, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur and Fazilka.