Opium Farmers Stage Sit-In Protest Against Alleged Narcotics Department Harassment
In a significant demonstration of discontent, opium farmers from Bhilwara organized a sit-in protest at the Chittorgarh district collectorate on Friday. The protest, which commenced around 11 am and persisted until the evening, was orchestrated under the banner of the Afeem Kisan Sangharsh Samiti. The farmers voiced strong allegations of harassment by the Narcotics department, leading to a tense standoff that was only resolved following negotiations with officials.
Congress Leader Badrilal Jat Leads Protest with Serious Allegations
The protest was spearheaded by Congress leader and Badisadri MLA candidate Badrilal Jat, who articulated the grievances of the farming community. Jat asserted that recent actions by the Narcotics department have instilled widespread fear among opium cultivators. He highlighted specific incidents, including raids in Devariya village where a farmer and the village headman were arrested over allegations of excess water content in opium. Additionally, Jat cited an action in Delwas village where a recovery of approximately Rs 1.05 crore was alleged, further exacerbating the farmers' distress.
Jat claimed that the stringent provisions under the NDPS Act are compelling farmers to resort to selling jewellery and property to pay penalties, painting a grim picture of financial hardship and intimidation.
Farmers' Demands and Official Response
The protesting farmers presented a clear set of demands to address their concerns. They insisted that raids should not be conducted at their homes prior to the official weighing of opium. Furthermore, they sought the implementation of daily weighing arrangements to prevent any potential harassment and ensure transparency in the process.
The sit-in concluded after Narcotics department Kota additional director Jabbar Singh Rajpurohit provided assurances of action. Key commitments included the removal of the inspector accused of harassing farmers from Chittorgarh district. Jat announced that a police complaint regarding alleged illegal recovery would be filed against the inspector on Saturday, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
Political Intervention and Calls for Impartial Investigation
Adding a political dimension to the issue, Chittorgarh MP and former BJP state president CP Joshi intervened in the matter. Joshi disclosed that he had engaged with Narcotics department officials, directing them to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation into the farmers' complaints. This involvement highlights the cross-party attention the protest has garnered, emphasizing its significance in the regional political landscape.
The protest underscores the ongoing tensions between opium farmers and regulatory authorities in Rajasthan, with calls for fair treatment and procedural reforms gaining momentum.
