5 Cong workers injured in firing incident at Naushehra Pannuan

On the last day of filing of nomination papers for panchayat elections on Friday, complaints from all quarters were received regarding the use of force by the ruling party to stop the Opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers. Five workers of the Congress party were injured when firing took place in Naushehra Pannuan over the filing of nominations.

Taking serious note of the incidents of violence, leaders of the Congress party led by PPCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former Lok Sabha member Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Sukhpal Singh Bhullar, Ramanjit Singh Sikki (both former MLAs) and other leaders met Deputy Commissioner Paramvir Singh and SSP Gaurav Toora. The leaders demanded action against the miscreants.

Addressing the media persons, Raja Warring alleged that the state government and government machinery had failed to maintain peace and make arrangements whereby Congress workers can file their nomination papers. Referring to a video which went viral on the social media, Warring alleged that gangster Robin was opening canvassing for the Sarpanch of Marimegha village. He alleged that in Patti, Bhikhiwind and Valtoha blocks, Congress candidates have not been allowed to file their nomination papers with the use of force. The delegation of Congress leaders demanded registration of a case against the accused responsible for the firing incident in Naushehra Pannuan. He warned the administration that in case action is not taken against the accused, the Congress would stage a dharna in front of the DC and SSP office.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora, when contacted, said that gangster Robin was wanted by the police and would be arrested in case information is received by the police. A case is being registered in the Naushehra Pannuan firing incident, the SSP added.

Meanwhile, in another instance, a former Sarpanch tore the nomination papers of a Dalit woman outside Gandiwind panchayat office in Tarn Taran here on Thursday to stop her from contesting against another Dalit candidate patronised by him.

Election for the 573 panchayats in the district is to be held on October 15.