Protest against FIRs over burning of paddy stubble

Farmers and farm labourers, under the aegis of All India Kisan Khet Mazdoor Sangathan, on Wednesday held a protest at the Rewari bypass, expressing anger against the state government over the registration of FIRs and imposition of fine for burning of paddy stubble. They also raised slogans against the BJP government.

Satpal Sabharwal, a leader of the sangathan, said the burning of stubble caused only 8-9 per cent pollution, while 91 per cent pollution was caused by factories, industries, motor vehicles, generators, dirty drains, burning of garbage, thermal power plants, firecrackers and road construction.

Ombir Singh, another leader, questioned why the government did not provide machines to farmers which could tie bundles of straw or cut it into pieces and mix it with the soil of the field.

He said the government should cancel the cases registered against the farmers, withdraw fines imposed and end the practice of red entry being made on the farmers' portal. The government should give additional financial assistance to farmers for stubble management, he added.