BKU activists hold 2 officials captive at purchase centre

Activists of BKU (Ugrahan) today held two officials of the Markfed captive for about two-and-a-half hours at a purchase centre in Batriana village near Bhawanigarh. The officials were reportedly detained from about 3.30 pm to 6 pm. The officials were detained when they visited the Batriana purchase centre to take stock of the paddy procurement.

Harjinder Singh Gharachon, press secretary, BKU (Ugrahan), Bhawanigarh, said the Markfed officials, a manager and an Inspector, had been called to the centre by the union as no procurement had been done by the procurement agency for three-four days.

Harjinder said folllowing the detention of the officials, the Bhawanigarh police station SHO, and the Batriana police post incharge reached the spot. He further said after talking to them, the Markfed officials promised the farmers that the procurementwould start in a regular manner from tomorrow at the purchase centre, and every grain lying at the centre would be procured. He said after getting the assurance, farmers freed the Markfed officials.