Farmers hold dharna near CM’s residence
Our Correspondent
Sangrur, August 17
On a call by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a large number of farmers staged a dharna near the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on the Sangrur-Patiala main road here today.
They also submitted a memorandum of their demands to a duty officer present on the occasion. They raised slogans in support of their demands. Initially, they gathered near the Patiala bypass flyover and then marched towards the residence of the CM.
Their demands include canal water for irrigation to every field, supply of canal water for drinking purposes to all villages, opening of Bharat-Pakistan border for trade, waiving loans of debt-ridden farmers and farm labourers, Rs 10,000 pension every month to every man and woman farmer above 60 years of age, crop insurance and stopping the installation of smart power meters.
The leaders of various unions said in case their demands were not met soon, they would be compelled to intensify their agitation.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were farmer leaders’ Gurmeet Singh Kapial (BKU-Rajewal), Bhupinder Singh Longowal (Kirti Kisan Union), Karam Singh Balial (BKU-Dakonda Burjgil), Jagtar Singh Duggan (BKU-Dakonda Dhaner), Udham Singh Santokhpura (Zamhoori Kisan Sabha, Punjab), Inderpal Singh Punnawal (Kul Hind Kisan Sabha Punjab).
