Phagwara, Punjab: Farmers, under the leadership of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Doaba) president Manjit Singh Rai, have issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to escalate their protests if the outstanding arrears of sugarcane growers are not cleared by October 15, reported The Tribune.
Speaking to reporters, BKU general secretary Satnam Singh Sahni said the ultimatum was given during a meeting of the union’s leaders and activists at Sukhchaina Sahib Gurudwara, Phagwara, on Sunday. The key issue discussed was the pending payments owed to sugarcane farmers by Golden Sandhar Sugar Mill in Phagwara.
Kirpal Singh Mussapur, vice-president of the union, stated that during the meeting with Chief Secretary VK Singh, farmers were assured that steps would be taken to address their concerns. They were informed that Rs 3.54 crore in subsidies was owed to the sugarcane farmers by the Punjab Government, of which Rs 3.45 crore had been paid. The remaining Rs 9 lakh, he said, would be disbursed in the coming days.
As per the news report, the leaders also discussed the auction of land owned mill owners on October 14. They expressed hope that the auction would provide the funds needed to pay the remaining arrears to the farmers.
It was decided to wait until October 15 to see what actions the administration would take. However, the union warned that if the arrears are not cleared by then, a meeting will be organized, and strict protests will be planned against the sugar mill.
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