Punjab: Farmers, police clash over paddy procurement delays in Bathinda; Two FIRs filed against farm leaders

PTC Web Desk: A clash between farmers and the police erupted at Raike Kalan village, Bathinda, on Monday evening over delays in paddy procurement and stringent moisture checks. The protest escalated into violence as farmers, frustrated by perceived administrative delays, detained Tehsildar and a procurement inspector. The situation intensified, leading to stone-pelting and a police lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Following the incident, Bathinda police have registered two FIRs against leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and 30-40 unidentified farmers.

The confrontation began at 3.30 pm when around 20-25 BKU members assembled at the Raike Kalan grain market. Farmers demanded the purchase of paddy without the mandated moisture level checks, arguing that delays were endangering their crops. An argument broke out, resulting in the farmers detaining the Tehsildar and the procurement inspector.

The police arrived at the scene around 5.30 pm. and initially attempted to negotiate. However, talks failed when some farmers resorted to violence, including stone-throwing. The police resorted to a lathi charge to secure the release of the officials and restore order.

In the aftermath, the Bathinda police have filed two FIRs. Senior BKU leader Jhanda Singh Jethuke was named in one, while the other included charges against 30-40 unidentified farmers for offences such as rioting, unlawful detention, and intent to commit murder. "Investigations are underway, and appropriate legal measures are being pursued," a police official confirmed.

On the other hand, farmers claim that stringent moisture checks are unnecessarily slowing the procurement process, risking crop spoilage. "The delays are threatening our economic stability," a farmer said. The BKU and other unions are urging the state to expedite procurement without stringent moisture testing, stating that their livelihoods depend on it.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, condemned the police action, stating, “The government’s approach is paving the way for corporate control over agricultural markets.” The committee accused the state of failing to safeguard farmers' rights.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray said delays in some centres were due to farmers pushing for the acceptance of paddy with higher-than-allowed moisture content.

At Raike Kalan mandi, out of 4,750 tonne of paddy received, 4,400 tonne had been procured, with 3,200 tonne already lifted. The DC said 350 tonne of paddy with excessive moisture remained and the administration committed to buying it once moisture standards were met.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal condemned the police lathi charge, calling it a grave action against farmers exercising their right to sell produce. “This government has failed to address farmers’ issues and instead responds with force,” she said. She called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to address the farmers’ concerns urgently.