Punitive action: Farmers burn stubble in protest

MUKTSAR : Upset over punitive action including FIRS, challans and red entries, farmers under the banner of Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) on Tuesday burnt paddy stubble as protest in Doda village in Gidderbaha sub division of the district. The farmer outfit also held a protest march in several villages.

Addressing farmers, general secretary Muktsar BKU, Ghurbhagat Singh said, “Farmers are already facing economic crisis. There is a dip in yield of paddy crop, too. Farmers have no option but to burn paddy residue due to the economical burden of residual management. We will also gherao officials who visit villages and intensify our struggle.”

Administrative officials, including deputy commissioner MK Aravind, visited several villages in the district and instructed farmers to not burn stubble as it not only harms soil health but also pollutes environment leading to disastrous consequences on human health.

“Police action against farmers is unjust. Rather than lodging cases, the government should lend a helping hand to farmers to tackle the issue by providing them bonus,” said Pooran Singh, district president of the union.