Road Blockade By Farmers In Siwani

OVER 1000 farmers, including more than 300 women, came on to the road in scorching heat at 2 p m and squatted opposite Siwani SDM office, blocking the road on June 22, 2006 protesting against Haryana state government’s apathy towards their problems.

The authorities were not responding to the demands raised by the farmers, who were on continuous dharna since June 14. Farmers were demanding compensation for the drought affected people of Siwani and for the damaged black grams crops due to “frost”, fodder for the starving and dying animals, irrigation water up to the tails of canals etc. It may be recalled that Siwani Tahsil, bordering Rajasthan is facing serious drought situation for last 5-6 years creating famine like situation. Even the drinking water is not available easily. A 11 day padav was organised before Bhiwani district headquarters last year forcing the authorities to distribute some relief. But corruption and negligence has come to dominate even in providing relief. The assurance  given by Hissar Commissioner on February 20 and again by the chief minister on March 9 at Chandigarh were not being implemented. This anti-people and callous attitude of authorities forced the farmers to resort to dharna under the banner of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). The defiant mood of the people, particularly those of women, forced the SDM to come out and address the squatters with assurance of providing fodder and other relief. Only then the blockade was lifted and dharna ended with a determination to take the organisation to every village of the region so as to prepare for a bigger fight in the future.

The squatters were addressed by  AIKS joint secretary N K Shukla, AIKS Haryana leader Prithvi Singh, AIKS Haryana state secretary Gorakhpuria, joint secretary Harpal Singh, CITU leader Dayanand Punia, AIDWA leader leader Sampat Kaur and others. Veteran Kisan leader, 80 years old Chowdhury Mohar Singh presided over the proceedings.

(INN)