Punjab Speaker Sandhwan condemns decision to honour policemen who “stopped farmers’ protest

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 24 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday wrote a letter to PM Modi condemning the decision to award “gallantry medals” to the policemen who were allegedly involved in stopping farmers protests.

The letter reads, “While supporting farmers’ demands, I express my deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recommendation by the Director General of Police of Haryana for gallantry medals to six police officers/officials, who played role in stopping the farmers’ march at Shambu border recently. I deeply respect the bravery and dedication of our police force and believe it is essential to consider the context and implications of their actions. However, the situation at Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu is highly sensitive. The policemen involved acted in accordance with their duty, but their actions ‘ should not be glorified with gallantry medals.”

While writing a letter Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that the farmer’s fraternity is being vilified and treated in an extremely uncalled manner.

“I find it an opportune moment to sensitize your honour towards the plight of the feeding community of our country. It is very unfortunate that the farmers’ fraternity is being vilified and treated in an extremely uncalled manner, while they are peacefully agitating for their long-due rights in Punjab.”

Calling the step to award the policemen insensitive he said, “How can we be so insensitive towards our brethren who played an invaluable role in bringing a green revolution in young independent India in 1960s, when food security was a question of life and death and so critical for our national security.”

Supporting the farmers’ demand, he expressed his deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recommendation by the Director General of Police of Haryana for gallantry medals to six police officers/officials, who played a role in stopping the farmers’ march at the Shambu border recently.

“While supporting farmers’ demands, I express my deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recommendation by the Director General of Police of Haryana for gallantry medals to six police officers/officials, who played role in stopping the farmers’ march at Shambu border recently. I deeply respect the bravery and dedication of our police force and believe it is essential to consider the context and implications of their actions. However, the situation at the Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu is highly sensitive. The policemen involved acted in accordance with their duty, but their actions ‘ should not be glorified with gallantry medals.”

He stated that awarding gallantry medals is an insult to the farmers and said, “Awarding gallantry medals to officers involved in such actions is akin to adding insult to injury. It not only undermines the democratic values that our great nation stands for but also disrespects the legitimate and peaceful struggle of our farmers. This decision could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the use of force against peaceful protestors is commendable and worthy of honor.”

Earlier on Monday, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Monday announced that they burn effigies of the Modi government all over the nation and will launch a fresh protest to fulfil their demands for legalizing MSP guarantee.

As part of this protest, they will also stage a “long march” to support the private bills by the opposition.

The announcement came while addressing a press conference in Delhi.

Subsequently, the protesting farmers will take out a tractor rally nationwide on 15th August, when the country marks Independence Day. They will also burn copies of new criminal laws.

Addressing a press conference, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) also said that the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march will complete 200 days on August 31 and appealed to people to reach Khanauri, Shambhu, etc on the Punjab and Haryana border.

Following the announcement, they further informed both the organizations Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) will hold a mega rally in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on September 1.

A rally will be held in the Jind district of Haryana on September 15, 2024, and another rally will be held in Pipli on September 22, 2024.