Twenty representatives from various khap panchayats in Haryana have rallied behind villagers of Chanot in Hansi, demanding a T-joint connection from the under-construction Bhakra drinking water pipeline. The khap leaders arrived at the protest site in Hisar on Saturday, urging the state government to resolve the issue without delay.
Khap Panchayats Join Agitation
The khap representatives convened a meeting at the PWD Rest House in Hansi, terming the villagers' agitation justified. Roghi Khap Pradhan Sumer Singh stated that the protest is no longer confined to Chanot village alone, as people from several khap panchayats and other areas are now standing firm with the protesters. He noted that khap panchayats from the region have extended their support to the agitation.
“The state government's role had remained under suspicion from the beginning, claiming that the connection was initially installed but later removed by the police forcibly,” Singh said, raising doubts about the actions of one Somesh, who claimed to be a state government representative and had the T-joint fitted on the pipeline a week ago.
Administration's Actions Questioned
The district administration not only removed the T-joint but also used force against the villagers and registered criminal cases against the protesters, who have been holding the dharna peacefully for about 45 days. Sumer Singh questioned the intention of district authorities, asking about the proposed separate pipeline. He demanded that the Chief Minister personally visit Chanot village to assess whether the villagers' demand for water is justified.
Protest Timeline and Demands
Residents of Chanot village began their protest on May 16, demanding water supply from the Bhakra pipeline, which has been laid to fetch water for Hansi town. The khap leaders warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, khap panchayats from across Haryana and other states would be invited to join the agitation.
