Farmers burn effigy of Union Minister Bittu

Farmers under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), Punjab, expressing their resentment on the second day burnt effigies of Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu over his remarks against their leaders.

Satnam Singh Manochahal, KMSC district president, said the effigies were burnt in Manochahal Kalan, Dhotian, Gohalwar, Bhikhiwind and Tanda villages.

Manochahal said Harpreet Singh, Harjinder Singh and Navtej Singh Ekal Gadda were among leaders who addressed farmers during protest at different places. They condemned statement of the Union Minister to inquire about properties of leaders, who he had allegedly earned wealth in the name of the farmer agitation, as they received huge amount from foreign shores. Leaders said it was not farmer leaders, but politicians who had amassed huge wealth through unfair means. Farmer leaders demanded a fair probe into the matter.

They said the Union Government was behind leaders like Ravneet Singh Bittu, who often spoke against farmers with an intention to seek revenge, defame them and prevent them from launching a big movement, against the Centre. Leaders said though farmers of the country were under huge debt and committing suicides daily, the Central Government was little concerned over providing them relief. Leaders also stressed on fulfilment of demands of farmers. — OC