Farmers' Union Leads Major Protest in Bathinda Over Police Clash
The farm body BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), supported by over 40 farmer, labor, and employee organizations, held a significant protest march in Bathinda on Friday. This demonstration came after the group was stopped twice from reaching the city to hold protests demanding the release of two of its activists. The primary demand was for action against police personnel accused of confronting agitating farmers at Jeond village on February 18.
Injured Activists Participate in Protest
Two activists, Charanjit Singh from Mari village and Parneet Singh from Jeond, who suffered injuries in the police action, participated in the protest. Charanjit had multiple fractures to his right leg and was brought to the protest site on a stretcher, while Praneet suffered a fracture to his right hand.
Sitting in a wheelchair, Charanjit stated that the overwhelming support he received from the masses after being victimized motivated him to keep the flag of protests up and pursue the cause with more determination. His presence highlighted the physical toll of the clashes.
Accusations Against Government and Police
Representatives from various supporting organizations accused the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Bathinda district police of using repressive methods to deal with protesting farmers. They demanded stern action against the police officials responsible for causing injuries to both activists.
Additionally, they called on the state government to lift the unannounced emergency on holding protests and control the worsening law and order situation. They warned that failure to do so would lead to facing the ire of the growing protesting force.
Broad Coalition of Farm Groups
Most of the farm groups that participated in the over one-year-long protests against the farm laws at the borders of Delhi in 2020-21 joined hands to collectively take on the state government. This coalition signifies a renewed unity among agricultural organizations.
The representatives also criticized the central government for including the agriculture sector in trade deals with the US, expressing concerns over corporate influence on farming policies.
Leadership Criticism and Political Statements
BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that Mann, who once claimed he would run the government from common village places, is now blindly following the pro-corporate policies of the Narendra Modi-led central government.
Ugrahan stated that in order to please corporates, Mann is confronting the struggling classes, which will not be tolerated at any cost. He reminded Mann that in a few months, he and his party members will have to reach the masses in villages, where people will question them about the oppression unleashed on protesters.
Protest March and Public Demonstration
The protesters took out a protest march in the town, raising slogans against the state government and the district police. This public display of dissent underscored the ongoing tensions between agricultural communities and authorities in the region.
