Jalandhar, 22 August (H.S.): Kisan Mazdoor Committee Punjab leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said preparations

were reviewed for the five-day protests scheduled to be held outside ministers’

residences across Punjab from September 14 to 18. He appealed to farmers,

labourers and youth across the state to participate in large numbers.

Pandher said several demands of farmers and

workers had remained pending for a long time and there was a need to intensify

the agitation. Raising the issue of sugarcane and sugar prices, he said sugar

prices were increasing in the market while farmers were not getting adequate

returns for their produce.

He demanded that the Punjab Government

immediately reopen closed sugar mills, including those in Tarn Taran, and

ensure a remunerative price for sugarcane growers. He also urged the Centre to

frame a strong policy to protect domestic production and farmers’ interests.

Pandher warned that failure to strengthen domestic

sugar production could eventually force the country to depend on imports.

Expressing concern over heavy rainfall and

rising water levels in the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, Pandher demanded

timely alerts for vulnerable areas and regular sharing of water-level

information with the public.

He also urged the authorities not to release

large volumes of water suddenly from reservoirs, citing concerns related to

Madhopur Headworks and Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Pandher

further demanded action over the alleged use of pellet guns against youths in

Delhi and referred to police action during the Shambhu, Khanauri and Rattanpura

farmers’ protests, seeking strict action against those found responsible.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH