Farmers under the aegis of Bhartiya Kisan Ekta are holding a protest outside the Longowal Police station in Punjab’s Sangrur district in support of their demand for compensation for losses caused by floods and for the enactment of a law concerning Minimum Support Price (MSP).
A farmer, identified as Pritam Singh, died after he was overrun by a tractor-trolley during the protest on August 21.
Dilbag Singh Harigarh, a representative of farmers, said they are suffering losses.
“Sixteen farmer jathebandis (unions) had demanded that the Central Government release Rs 50,000 crore as a relief fund, our crops are damaged. We had also demanded that the Centre enact MSP law, in line with Kerala so that we are not looted,” he said.
Sangrur Superintendent of Police (SP) Palwinder Singh said they have deployed police personnel to maintain law and order.
“They had staged a ‘dharna’ yesterday. When we spoke with them and told them not to block the main highway or toll plaza, they said that they will stage a ‘dharna’ here (near Police Station). Suddenly, they planned to move upon which concerned SHOs and DSPs spoke to them and to stay here. They didn’t listen…We are ready to talk with them. We have deployed a Police force to maintain law and order, as a safety measure. We have deployed 300-350 Police personnel and also put nakabandi in place,” he said.
Meanwhile, in view of plans by farmer unions to hold a protest in Chandigarh, police have been deployed on borders leading to the capital city.
Ambala Police has deployed personnel along the Haryana-Punjab border to maintain law and order.
Sibash Kabiraj, IGP (Ambala Range), said arrangements have been made to maintain law and order.
He said police have been deployed in Ambala along the border with Punjab. Police said some people have been detained so that peace is not disturbed.
(with inputs from ANI)
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