Farmers' union attacks Punjab police team, holds officials captive during paddy procurement in Bathinda

Edited and posted by Al Ngullie
November 12,2024 02:03 PM
HORNBILL TV

A Punjab Police team was attacked on Monday by members of a farmers' union in Raike Kalan village, Bathinda, during the ongoing paddy procurement process.

Bathinda (Punjab) [India], November 12 (HBTV): A Punjab Police team was attacked on Monday by members of a farmers' union in Raike Kalan village, Bathinda, during the ongoing paddy procurement process. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harbans Singh Dhaliwal confirmed that an Inspector and a Naib Tehsildar were briefly held captive by the farmers. An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) sustained injuries in the attack and was hospitalized.

DSP Dhaliwal stated, "In Raike Kalan village, the farmers' union surrounded the Inspector and Naib Tehsildar during paddy procurement. When our police team arrived to request their release, the farmers’ union refused to cooperate."

"When the police attempted to free the officials, the farmers’ union attacked them. One of our officials was injured, and our vehicles were damaged. The Tehsildar and Inspector were eventually released. We are verifying if others were also injured. An ASI-ranked officer was attacked with the intent to kill; he sustained injuries from sticks, a kirpan, and a machete. We will take legal action accordingly," he added.

This incident occurs amid growing criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over its handling of paddy procurement. On October 30, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's administration, alleging inefficiencies in the paddy procurement process and accusing the government of politicizing the issue. Chugh claimed that, despite the Centre allocating over INR 41,000 crore for procurement, Punjab's state machinery has struggled, causing a crisis for farmers.

Punjab farmers have staged protests at around 60 locations recently, frustrated by delays in selling their paddy at government markets. CM Bhagwant Mann had previously assured that procurement efforts were underway, highlighting Punjab's contributions to India’s food stocks. The state also urged the Centre to increase the dry harvest procurement allowance from 0.5 percent to 1 percent, warning that further delays could impact the wheat planting season.

(ANI)