Police station gheraoed over caste slur

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, February 20

Activists of the Khet Mazdoor Union today gheraoed Lakhewali police station, demanding a case against farmers of Khunde Halal village who had allegedly passed casteist remarks against women villagers last week.

Lachhman Singh Sewewala, a union activist, said, “Well-off farmers had accused women farm labourers of committing theft in their fields. However, when their bags were frisked before the village residents, nothing incriminating was found. We want an FIR against these farmers for defaming Dalit women, but cops are not taking action.”

He added, “We have met the SSP and the local DSP. They initially agreed to lodge a case, but to no avail.”

The protest was in progress till this evening. Activists of the Bharti Kisan Union extended support to the labourers. They criticised Malout MLA Ajaib Singh Bhatti for not giving a statement in this regard.