CHANDIGARH: India through its puppet regime in Punjab has declared a virtual war on the state’s peasantry. Bharti Kisan Union leader, Ajmer Singh Lakhowal and over 2000 of the peasant activists were arrested last week evidently to crush the proposed agitation against the resumption of S.¥.L. canal construction work,
The B.K.U. is spearheading the anti-canal movement and had announced its plan to hold a peaceful protest march at Chandigarh on July 9 to submit memorandum to Punjab governor,
Several Akali groups had also stated publicly that they too would begin a movement soon against the SYL canal project which is regarded as designed to benefit the Hindu majority of Haryana at the cost of farmers of Punjab. No Akali announced his willingness to join the BKU rally. Consequently, so far no Akali leader in Punjab has been arrested. Badal and Tohra declared more than once that they would not allow a drop of water to flow through the SYL canal but have taken no practical Steps so far to counter government’s plans.
Chief Minister Beant Singh kicked off the controversy to announce his plan to resume construction work, presumably at the behest of the Prime Minister who has grown dependent on Haryana chief minister Bhajan Lal in the wake of charges of corruption against him.
Sensing the brewing trouble in Punjab, Beant Singh retreated by Saying that no decision on reconstruction had taken place. However, according to reports, quiet preparations to complete the canal tor Haryana are on, even a few police companies are being deployed at the site to ensure that no agitation interfered with the work.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 9, 1993
