Farmers and Activists Plan Major Protest at Bathinda DAC Following Police Blockade
In a significant development, leaders from nearly 40 farmer, laborer, employee, and student organizations have announced a protest at the Bathinda District Administrative Complex (DAC) on March 6. This decision comes after activists of the farm organization BKU Ekta Ugrahan were prevented from leaving Jeond village in Bathinda to participate in a proposed protest on February 18.
Joint Meeting in Barnala Leads to New Protest Strategy
The decision to shift the protest location was made during a joint meeting held in Barnala on Thursday. Members from nearly two dozen farmer organizations participated in this crucial gathering. During the meeting, activists strongly accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government of being directly responsible for what they described as repression against their members.
The participants presented several key demands, including:
- Registration of cases under stringent sections against police officials responsible for repression against protesters
- Suspension of these police officials pending investigation
- A public apology from police officials for what they termed "unwanted action" against BKU Ugrahan activists
Strong Words from BKU Ekta Ugrahan Leader
Joginder Singh Ugrahan, a prominent leader, delivered a powerful statement during the meeting. He asserted that the state police is attempting to suppress protests through forceful means, but warned that the state government is making a grave mistake. "Such fundamental rights gained in 1947 could never be snatched," he declared emphatically.
Ugrahan further challenged the state leadership, stating, "Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should keep it in mind that even the mighty central government under Narendra Modi failed in snatching that right." This reference to previous farmer protests at the national level underscored the determination of the protesting organizations.
Warning to State Government About Future Consequences
The leaders issued a pointed warning to the state government regarding its current approach. They noted that the government, which is currently preventing them from entering Bathinda, Chandigarh, and other locations, must remember that after some months, government representatives will need to visit villages for various purposes.
"Then the villagers will see whether to allow them or not," the leaders stated, suggesting potential reciprocal action if the current restrictions continue. This statement highlighted the growing tension between the protesting groups and state authorities.
Background: The Jeond Village Incident
The decision to organize the March 6 protest follows a serious confrontation that occurred at Jeond village on February 18. During this earlier incident, two activists sustained serious injuries when they were prevented from leaving the village to join the planned protest. This blockade by authorities served as the catalyst for the expanded protest planning and the strong accusations against the state government.
The shift from a village-based protest to one at the District Administrative Complex represents a significant escalation in strategy by the coalition of organizations. The Bathinda DAC protest on March 6 is now positioned as a major test of the relationship between farmer organizations and the Punjab government.
