Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest, tensions escalated further as farmers and cops indulged in a clash over paddy issues in Bathinda. The reports noted that Bhartiya Kisan Union’s activists engaged in a conflict in the grain market of Raike Kalan village in Bhatinda district on the evening of 11th November 2024. The district authorities rushed to the spot to rescue a Naib Tehsildar and a Pungrain food inspector who were held as hostages by the farmers.
As per the reports, the police had to use force to get the officers released which resulted in injuries to six persons, including two or three cops. It also resulted in the damage of two police vehicles.
Clash Between Farmers and Cops: What Actually Happened?
Detaining of Officials by The Farmers
The violent encounter between farmers and cops began around 3:30 PM. Approximately 20-25 BKU members under Jagsir Singh Jhumba, district committee member, Bathinda BKU-U, gathered at the Raike Kalan grain market. The farmers demanded that the paddy be purchased without the necessary moisture level checks, arguing that the delays may ruin the crops. The BKU members circled the Pungrain inspector, Rajveer Singh.
To control the issue, Vipin Kumar and Naib Tehsildar reached the spot and held a meeting with protestors. However, the meeting did not yield satisfactory results. The argument became violent, culminating in the detention of the Tehsildar and the procurement inspector.
Arrival of Police
The violence escalated as farmers, frustrated by administration delays, took matters into their own hands. A farmer stated that the delays are threatening our economic stability. The BKU and other unions also argued to speed up the paddy procurement as their livelihoods depend on it. However, the situations worsened leading to stone-pelting and a police lathi charge to clear or handle the crowd. In the aftermath, Bathinda police lodged two FIRs against leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and 30-40 unidentified farmers.
Leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee denounced the police actions, stating, “The administrations’ strategy is paving the way for corporate dominance in agricultural markets.” They also accused the state that failed to ensure the justice to farmer’s rights.
Responding to the situation, Bathinda DC Showkat Ahmad Parray claimed, “Delays in some centers are result of farmer’s pushing for the acceptance of paddy with higher-than-allowed moisture content.
The Bathinda DC also added, “The allegations regarding poor procurement at Raike Kalan are fabricated. Till November 11, 4,775 tonnes of paddy had arrived at the mandi. Out of which 4,400 tones have already been purchased. We have managed to lift 3,324 tones from the mandi. There is no difficulty of any sort at the procurement center.”
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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