Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

CAPT CALLS ON MODI, URGES HIM TO REPEAL 3 FARM LAWS

Amarinder also sought amendment to the relevant law for including farmers in free legal aid category

- HT Correspond­ent letterschd@hindustant­imes.com

CHANDIGARH : Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediatel­y initiate steps for the repeal of the controvers­ial three agricultur­e laws and amend the legislatio­n to include farmers in the free legal aid category. The CM, who met Modi in New Delhi, called for immediate review and revocation of the three laws that have triggered widespread resentment among farmers who are protesting at the Delhi borders since November last year.

Amarinder said the stir had the potential of posing security threat to Punjab and the country.

CHANDIGARH : Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediatel­y initiate steps for the repeal of the controvers­ial three agricultur­e laws and amend the legislatio­n to include farmers in the free legal aid category.

The CM, who met Modi in New Delhi, called for immediate review and revocation of the three laws that have triggered widespread resentment among farmers who are protesting at the Delhi borders since November last year.

Pointing to the prolonged agitation, which has claimed the lives of more than 400 farmers and farm workers, Amarinder said the stir had the potential of posing security threat to Punjab and the country as Pakistan-backed anti-India forces are looking to exploit the disgruntle­ment against the government.

The CM said the continued agitation was not only impacting economic activities in Punjab but also had the potential to affect the social fabric. He claimed that earlier too he had urged the PM to call a meeting with an all-party delegation from Punjab.

He further underlined the need to compensate the farmers for the management of paddy straw at Rs 100 per quintal and allay the fears of fertiliser shortage which could aggravate their problems.

Amarinder stressed that due to fragmentat­ion of landholdin­gs and persistent disputes with lessees, market operators and agents, the farmers are also facing more litigation

The continued agitation by farmers was not only impacting economic activities in Punjab but also had the potential to affect the social fabric

CAPT AMARINDER SINGH, Punjab CM

these days.

“It is, thus, the need of the hour to amend section 12 of the Legal Services Authoritie­s Act, 1987, to include farmers and farm workers in the category of those entitled to free legal services to pursue and defend themselves in courts to secure their livelihood,” Amarinder said.

The CM urged Modi to advise the Union ministries dealing with farmer welfare and laws to carry out necessary amendments to the Legal Services Authoritie­s Act in the larger interest of the farming community.

 ?? ANI ?? Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.
ANI Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.

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