VIKRAMDITYA SHARMA/FEROZEPORE
Thousands of farmers belonging to various outfits today removed the barricades and barriers which were erected by the police starting from the T-point connecting the road leading towards the ethanol plant in village Manusrwala. The farmers had come here to join the protest to shut down the ethanol plant owned by a former SAD MLA.
The police force had placed buses on this road for the barricading. However, the protestors pushed the buses into the fields to clear the passage and to reach the dhana site. Later the protestors clashed with the police near the gate number two of the factory also.(SUBHEAD)
The situation became extremely tense when the protestors, who were driving a four vehicle, tried to run over the policemen in an attempt to remove the barricades. The police officials on duty also broke the front glass of the car with the help of stick. However the situation was averted at the right time and the protestors were allowed to enter the road.
As per information, more than 10000 members belonging to 39 farmer’s unions including Bharti Kissan Union (Dakonda), BKU (Rajewal), BKU (Kadian), BKU Ekta (Ugraha), BKU (Sidhupur), Kissan Majdoor Sangharsh Committee besides 4-5 other organizations have reached at Village Mansurwala today. Th
Several policemen were injured during the scuffle however, the police exercised restraint and did not retaliate. One of the police officials said that the police had arranged a separate passage for the protestors who were coming today. “However, the protestors persisted to go through this route only which was barricaded by the police”, said one of the police official.
Overall seven policemen were injured who were admitted in the civil hospital in Zira.
Meanwhile the “bhog” of the ongoing “Akhand Path” was concluded today in a peaceful manner.
While addressing the press conference, leaders of the “Sanyukt Kissan Morcha” said that they had a meeting with the IG Jaskaran Singh and DC Amrit Singh besides other officials. “We demand that the factory should be closed permanently besides the FIRs should be cancelled against those who have been booked by the police . The Arms licenses of the protestors to this area which were suspended by the administration should be reinstated”, said union leaders.
The union leaders said that they had formed a five member committee. “The IG has assured us that the police force deputed here will be reduced and our demands will be fulfilled”, said union leaders.
IG Jaskaran Singh said that our duty is to maintain law and order situation . “We in constant dialogue with the protestors and our first job is to keep the environment peaceful”, said IG adding that the factory workers have been sent inside the factory and they are cleaning the area.
PPCC PRESIDENT ASK FOR PEACEFUL SOLUTION
Meanwhile PPCC President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that the administration and the police should not forcibly remove the dharna. He said that the protestors should also respect the instructions of the Punjab and Haryana High court. “If the protestors will not lift the dharna, there will be no industry in Punjab during the upcoming days”, said Raja Warring
