Tarn Taran, June 17
“Sangat darshan” organised here today by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab ran into rough weather when hundreds of farmers came to the venue to protest against non-meeting of long pending demands. They were stopped by the police. Farmers had a scuffle with the police for more than 10 minutes and the situation became normal after the higher police authorities intervened. The higher police officials persuaded the farmer leaders and assured them of a meeting with Mr Badal to discuss their problems. Groupism too was observed and finally the stage raised for Mr Badal collapsed when the CM was talking with newsmen.
The farmers under the banner the “Kisan Sangharsh Committee” were demanding the release of compensation of Rs 350 crore issued by the Union Government for the Punjab farmers in respect of paddy and also demanding return of excess amount deducted from the farmers while making them payment for procured paddy. The farmers staged a dharna in the grain market where the “sangat darshan” was being held. The farmers also marched in the town and raised slogans in favour of their demands. Later, Mr Badal had a meeting with the farmer leaders while going back from here.
Mr Badal gave away cheques worth Rs 3 crore for the development of town and 82 gram panchayats of the area for development works.
Mr Badal, who arrived in the town at 6 a.m. paid obeisance at the local Sri Darbar Sahib and arrived at the venue of sangat darshan at 7 a.m.
