Shadow Correpsondent
Jammu, Apr 28:
Taranjit Singh Tony, General Secretary J&K Pradesh Congress Committee and DDC Suchetgarh, strongly criticized the BJP Government at the Centre for its ill treatment of poor farmers, labeling them as “bloodthirsty” in their pursuit of land acquisition without due compensation and other farmers demands. Tony’s remarks came during his participation in a protest organized by impoverished farmers in the Miran Sahib area, situated on the outskirts of Jammu City. Arif Mohd. President Tractor Union was also present Expressing solidarity with the aggrieved farmers, Tony lambasted the government for forcibly encroaching upon the lands cultivated by these farmers for over seven decades. He highlighted that these lands were originally allocated to them during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh and have now fallen victim to the government’s acquisition. Despite the land already being utilized for Ring Road projects, Tony pointed out that the promised compensation remains pending, leaving the farmers in a state of distress.
Tony raised concerns over the disparities in compensation between regions, noting that farmers in Srinagar were receiving significantly higher compensation compared to those in Miran Sahib. He also criticized the collusion between authorities and contractors who take advantage of the vulnerable situation of the farmers.
Expressing dismay over the lack of engagement from the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Tony highlighted that the ongoing protest has persisted for 63 days without any meaningful dialogue or assurances from the authorities. He condemned the arrest of protesting farmers by the Miran Sahib Police Station, emphasizing that dissent against the government’s actions should not be met with suppression. The Congress leader named specific instances of farmers whose lands have been forcibly acquired, including Kuldep Kumar, Amarnath, Jeetraj, and Gayan Chand of village Bansultan.
Tony lamented the tragic death of a farmer from Nandpur on the 48th day of the protest, attributing it to the prolonged struggle against unjust government actions. He condemned the BJP for what he termed as its “bloodthirsty” attitude towards the welfare of farmers, citing over 750 farmer deaths as evidence of the party’s disregard for agricultural communities.
While emphasizing the importance of development, Tony stressed that it should not come at the expense of the livelihoods of poor farmers. He called upon the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and direct the administration to refrain from implementing draconian measures against the farmers. He issued a stern warning to the administration, asserting that Congress will not tolerate the usurpation of farmers’ lands without proper compensation or alternative arrangements.
