Part of new dairy site a graveyard, claim Patiala lawyers

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 29

Dairy farmers of the city, who are supposed to shift to the new site for dairies developed by the MC at Ablowal village, have raised objections to the new complex. Leaders of various political parties have also lent their support to the farmers.

The dairy farmers, along with their advocates, visited the Ablowal site yesterday and claimed that part of it, as per revenue records, was a graveyard. The farmers, through their advocates, have also decided to send a letter to the Akal Takht over the matter, stating that as per its directions, land of a graveyard can’t be used for religious purposes related to Sikhs. A lawyer for the farmers, Mohinder Singh Joshi, said: “We will send a letter to Akal Takht Sahib. Apart from that, we have also raised the matter of presence of high tension lines at the new site. The MC has failed to provide any provisions, including a dispensary, at the new site.”

Meanwhile, Harpal Juneja, a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), met the protesting farmers. He said the farmers had come to him and he offered his support. “As per revenue records, a part of the land is that of a graveyard. Also, there is a lack of provisions at the site.”

He said the MC had failed to carry out any development at the new site other than constructing roads and a boundary wall that collapsed later.