AAP adopts 75 families of farm suicide victims

55 families were adopted by NRIs in Bathinda and Mansa in August and were provided monetary help. SUKHPAL SINGH KHAIRA , AAP leader

JALANDHAR:The leader of opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Saturday said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with the support of NRI’ s adopted 75 families of farmers who have committed suicide because of farm debt, for ₹2,500 monthly financial assistant.

Addressing the press conference here, Khaira said that seven families were given ₹50,000 each as one-time help and 20 families have been adopted on Saturday for a monthly pension of 2,500 for next 5 years. The financial help was provided under 'Peedit Kisan- Khet Mazdoor Bachao Muhim' with the help of NRI Punjabis and local donors.

“As many as 55 families of suicide victims were adopted by NRIs in Bathinda and Mansa area in August, where the effected families were provided monetary help,” Khaira said.

Khaira said that chief minister (CM) Capt Amarinder Singh had categorically assured to waive off the total debt of farmers before elections. But after coming to power, he is now shying away from fulfilling his manifesto promise.

“The farmers must question Congress leaders about the bogus promises made to them when they come for the Gurdaspur bypoll campaign.” said Khaira.

Khaira asked if a case of abetment to suicide can be registered against a commission agent on the basis of a suicide note, then why is the same yardstick not being applied to the CM, as two farmers have recently held Capt responsible for their suicides in their notes left behind.

While asking people to teach a lesson in coming Gurdaspur bypolls, he said that Congress and SAD leaders will come to your doors to seek the votes again but you should ask for your rights and seek answer for the government’s failure in protecting the farmers rights.He said that in the state’s annual budget, a minimal amount of ₹ 1,500 crores was allotted against the debt of ₹1 lakh crore.

“It is a joke for the farmers who are left to the God’s mercy and are forced to commit suicide. In last 6 months of Captain’s government,about250farmershave committed suicide.” Khaira added.