AMRITSAR SAHIB (February 22, 2014)—As a testament to the rule of corruption—and what many claim is fascism—in Punjab, the Punjab police beat farmers mercilessly with sticks on Friday. The protestors were reportedly camping peacefully outside the office of the Chief Engineer, PSPCL, virtually holding Executive Engineer SN Mahi and several other officials hostage inside. The ensuing baton charge took the life of one farmer and left many severely injured.
The farmers were demonstrating under the banner of Kisan Sangharsh Committee (KSC), the leading farmers’ organization in the Majha region.
A heavy police contingent headed by three Additional DCP-rank officials was called to deal with the protesters. The police used tear gas shells and charged at the protesters with heavy sticks. The farmers retaliated, attacking the policemen with stones and sticks. A woman, identified as Swaran Kaur of Kaler Ghuman village, was injured in the melee. She was admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.
The Farmers’ leader, Sawinder Singh Chutala said a number of farmers had been injured. He said his colleagues Satnam Singh Pannu, Sarwan Singh Pandher and Sikander Singh Samra were among those arrested.
The farmers, who have been on an indefinite protest, are demanding that power rates be slashed to ₹1 per unit and free connections be given to those with less than five acres of land.
All sections of society have condemned the inhumane act by the Punjab Police and many have criticized Parkash Badal, the Chief minister of Punjab.