Latifpura locals ‘Black Day’ on New Year’s

On New Year’s Day, members of the Latifpura Morcha gathered to protest against the Punjab government, declaring the occasion a “Black New Year.” Sardar Jaskaran Singh Kahansinghwala, National President of Shiromani Akali Dal Fateh and Patron of the Kisan Union Amritsar, addressed the gathering. He also serves as the Convenor of the Latifpura Morcha, which has been protesting since December 9, 2022.

He criticised the Punjab government, stating that it has left Latifpura residents, who have lived there for 76 years, in dire conditions. He highlighted that the collapse of their homes has forced families onto the streets. While the government claims it lacks evidence of land ownership, the families possess documents proving their rightful ownership. Despite this, they have not received justice for over two years.

Morcha leaders declared that their protests would continue until the victims are granted justice. As part of the demonstration, protesters burned an effigy of the Punjab government at Latifpura Chowk and waved black flags, marking the New Year as a day of protest.