Amritsar: Anger among farmers over compensation for losses caused by the recent floods spilled onto the streets on Friday, as members of the BKU Ekta Ugrahan staged a protest outside the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner’s office and gheraoed the premises.
A large number of farmers marched towards the DC office, where police had put up barricades to stop them from entering. As protesters attempted to move forward, an argument broke out between the two sides and the situation soon turned tense.
The farmers eventually removed the barricades and entered the DC office complex. A prolonged confrontation followed, with pushing and shoving reported between the protesters and police. During the scuffle, a farmer’s turban also came off, further escalating tensions at the spot.
Farmer leaders said the recent floods had caused extensive damage to standing crops in several areas, besides affecting agricultural land and other property. They demanded that the government immediately announce and release adequate compensation for affected farmers and other residents.
The protesters accused the administration of failing to address their concerns despite repeated representations. They said the agitation would continue until the flood-affected people receive appropriate compensation and the government takes concrete action on their demands.
