AKALI HELPLINE FOR FARMERS TO ‘SAVE’ PADDY SOWN EARLY

CHANDIGARH:The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday established a helpline for farmers whose fields are being re-ploughed on the orders of the Congress government for transplanting paddy saplings before June 20, the date announced for start of paddy transplantation. The party has also asked its leaders to forcefully oppose government action.

In a statement, former minister Bikram Majithia said the party had set up a helpline (number 9815399333) to make a concerted effort to stop persecution of farmers for transplanting paddy as per traditional guidelines. “Our leaders, both senior ones and those from the district, will rush to all spots brought to our notice. We will not let any farmer’s field be re-ploughed,” he said, terming the government order as “dictatorial”.

Majithia claimed the government was riding roughshod over farmers by passing one-sided orders without even understanding the reasons why they wanted to transplant paddy as per the traditional scheduled (from June 10) followed in the state.

He added that the government had already cheated the farmers by not honouring its commitment to waive off their loans worth ₹90,000 crore. “This has led to more than 450 farmers committing suicide,” he claimed. Actions like destroying paddy which has been sowed after investing a huge amount are only aimed at further adding to this number, he alleged.

Majithia also appealed to the government employees to understand the plight of farmers and not destroy their standing crops.

MAJITHIA SAYS LEADERS WILL RUSH TO FARMERS’ AID ONCE THEY DIAL 9815399333 TO SEEK HELP AGAINST ACTION