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Farmers in Punjab Stage Tractor Rally Against Land Pooling Policy

Massive Protest by Farmers

On Wednesday, thousands of farmers from Punjab gathered for a huge tractor rally.

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Farmers in Punjab Stage Tractor Rally Against Land Pooling Policy

Massive Protest by Farmers

On Wednesday, thousands of farmers from Punjab gathered for a huge Tractor Rally Against Land Pooling Policy. They protested against the state government’s new land pooling policy, shouting slogans of unity as they drove through the streets.

The rally was organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). Other farmer unions joined them, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (non-political). This rally showed a rare moment of unity among many farmers’ groups in Punjab.

Tractors on the Move

Tractors filled long convoys and moved along Ferozepur Road, GT Road, and other highways in Bathinda and Mansa. The rally covered around 164 villages affected by this policy, which plans to pool over 65,000 acres of land. The protest was particularly strong in cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Ferozepur.

Farmers there claimed that their very existence was under threat. Sarwan Singh Pandher, the KMM coordinator, remarked, “This is only from four villages near Amritsar-Manawala, Navankot, Nijjarpur, and Rajewal. Imagine the scale when all affected villages rise.”

Understanding the Land Pooling Policy

The Punjab Government’s land pooling policy aims to create new townships. To do this, they want to take land from farmers by pooling rather than outright buying it. Farmers who give land will receive some back as developed plots. The rest will be sold to raise money for public services like schools and roads.

This plan has attracted sharp criticism from farmers. Many see it as a threat to their livelihood and way of life. Farmers worry that if their land is taken away, they will lose their identity.

Fears of Losing Agricultural Land

Farmers are particularly worried about permanently losing agricultural land. In places like Jodhan, over 50% of village land falls under this pooling scheme. A local farmer named Jagdev Singh spoke passionately, saying, “Punjab cannot afford horizontal growth at the cost of its villages. How can you erase rural existence in the name of rapid urbanisation?”

Additionally, the ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), faced backlash when Tapinder Singh Jodhan, its local leader, quit in protest. He was against the land pooling policy.

Show of Strength Despite Rain

Even though it rained on Wednesday, farmers participated actively. Young farmers aged 20 to 50 drove tractors, while elderly farmers rode along with them. This showed how the protest brings together different generations.

In Ludhiana, the farmers brought attention to the poor condition of link roads. Many of these roads were bumpy and had potholes. Harnek Singh Gujjarwal, a young farmer, said, “This struggle is for survival. No one can live on a small plot forever. The government is pushing us to the edge.”

Government’s Compensation Plan

According to the policy, farmers will receive 1,000 square yards of residential area and 200 square yards of commercial area for every acre of land they pool. However, farmers remain skeptical about this arrangement.

Farmers ended the rally by reminding everyone of their main point: “What use is a tractor if there is no land left to till?” Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of Punjab’s largest farmer union, BKU Ugrahan, led protests in places like Jodhan and Koom Kalan.

A Call Against Business Interests

Manjit Singh Dhaner, president of BKU Dakaunda, emphasized the meaning of the tractor. He stated, “The tractor is not just a farming tool, but is our symbol of resistance. We sow seeds with it and now we are using it to protect our rights.”

He led the rally in Barnala’s Handiyaya and Mullanpur in Ludhiana. He criticized the policy for being supported only by businessmen and realtors, not by hardworking farmers. “Only businessmen and realtors with large landholdings are pushing it,” Dhaner added.

The Sarpanch’s Stand

In Bhattian Dhaha village, local leader Ranjit Singh Bath, who is part of the AAP, led the tractor march. He said, “I am with my village in this struggle against the land pooling policy. What will I do with a party that cannot protect my villagers?” Bath owns land across six villages, all under the policy.

He encouraged his community to take a stand. “Should we pick up our tiffin and start working in a factory? We have boards at the entrance of our village banning the entry of AAP leaders. Let me see who dares to enter.”

The Farmers’ Determination

Many village leaders have given feedback to the AAP seeking a rollback of the policy. They warned that resistance would occur if the government did not listen. Bath noted, “It seems they have not understood our polite feedback.”

Farmers’ unions stress that these rallies are not just about land. They are fighting for their dignity, existence, and the future of agriculture in Punjab.

Upcoming Events and Actions

The farmers plan to hold more large meetings following their Tractor Rally Against Land Pooling Policy. Mahapanchayats are scheduled for August 7, August 20, and August 24, involving SKM (non-political), KMM, and SKM’s Punjab unit.

On August 8, a seminar will take place in Ludhiana with an open invitation to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Also, the KMM plans a motorcycle march across various districts on August 11.

Farmers want to ensure that their voices are heard. They are standing strong together for their rights. The future of agriculture in Punjab depends on it.🚜✨

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Pakistan Points Finger at India Over Waterlogging at Wagah Border

Waterlogging at the Wagah Border

AMRITSAR: A viral video showing the Wagah border’s parade area on the Pakistani side has raised concerns.

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Flood Warning in Mohali as Ghaggar River Water Levels Rise

Waterlogging at the Wagah Border

AMRITSAR: A viral video showing the Wagah border’s parade area on the Pakistani side has raised concerns. The video shows Rangers standing in knee-deep water, making many uncomfortable, while the Indian side appears neat and dry. In response, Pakistan Points Finger at India, blaming the elevation of GT Road for the flooding issues. 🌧️

Pakistan has reacted by blaming India. They say that the elevation of the Grand Trunk Road on India’s side is the reason for the water problem on their side. However, the truth is a bit different.

What India Has Done

India has taken steps to prevent such issues. They have set up a rainwater harvesting system. This system helps collect rainwater and manage drainage better. Thanks to these improvements, there was no waterlogging at the Indian side during the recent rains.

Heavy Rains and Flooding

Recently, heavy rainfall hit the region on August 8 and 9. This caused severe flooding on the Pakistani side. In contrast, the Indian side managed to stay mostly dry. Only a small area near the international border gates faced some water accumulation.

Pakistan’s Efforts to Manage Water

Due to the problems caused by flooding, Pakistan has raised the elevation of GT Road on their side. They hoped this would help manage how water flows away during heavy rains.

However, even with these changes, the area near the parade was still flooded. Sandbags were piled up at various points ahead of the daily flag ceremony. This flooding is a clear sign of the struggle Pakistan faces with the ongoing rains.

What the Border Forces Say

Atul Fulzele, the Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF) for Punjab, stated that the heavy rain on August 8 and 9 caused the major flooding. The video likely showed conditions from that time. He reported, “There has been no waterlogging at any of the three sites of the ceremonial flag-lowering ceremonies – Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi.”

However, conditions were not the same at all locations. Many border outposts (BoPs) on the Punjab Frontier were affected by flooding. Some areas had to be evacuated due to the heavy rain.

Ongoing Water Management Issues

The situation also highlights how seasonal monsoon patterns impact many regions, including Punjab. Monsoons bring a lot of rain, which can lead to both heavy flooding and water management problems.

Though both countries share the responsibility of managing water around this region, the recent events have brought some blame game. Pakistan’s elevation of their roads has not been enough to fix the issue, clearly visible from the viral video.

Conclusion

The incident at the Wagah border serves as a reminder of how serious water management can be. While Pakistan Points Finger at India, both nations need to work together to find better solutions and help each other during the challenging monsoon season.🌧️🤝

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Flood Warning in Mohali as Ghaggar River Water Levels Rise

Urgent Flood Alert for Mohali Residents

On Friday morning, the SAS Nagar administration issued a flood warning.

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Flood Warning in Mohali as Ghaggar River Water Levels Rise

Urgent Flood Alert for Mohali Residents

On Friday morning, the SAS Nagar administration issued a Flood Warning in Mohali after the Ghaggar River’s water discharge crossed 70,000 cusecs at 8 AM. Local officials are concerned about the safety of nearby villages.

Villages on Alert

The warning affects nine villages in the Dera Bassi area. These villages are:

  • Tiwana
  • Khajoor Mandi
  • Sadhanpur
  • Sarsini
  • Alamgir
  • Dangdhera
  • Mubarikpur
  • Mirpur
  • Bakarpur

Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert. They should prepare to move to safer locations if needed. The heavy rains in the catchment area and the opening of Sukhna Lake’s floodgates have caused the water levels to rise.

Safety Measures for Residents

The administration has given clear instructions to the people:

  • Avoid going near the riverbanks.
  • Move livestock to higher ground.
  • Follow the updates from the control rooms.

Families should keep important documents and medicines ready. It’s also important to help the elderly and children during any evacuation process.

Further Instructions Awaited

Local officials say they will provide more instructions if the situation worsens. Residents should rely on verified sources for updates. They should not attempt to cross flooded roads, especially inundated causeways.

Contact Information

For updates, residents can contact:

  • DC office control room at 0172-2219506
  • Mobile: 76580-51209
  • Dera Bassi office: 01762-28322

Concern Over Infrastructure

The administration has taken steps to manage the water flow from Sukhna Lake. The floodgates of Sukhna Lake have been opened several times this monsoon season. This allows excess water to flow into the Ghaggar River, upping the risk of flooding.

There have been issues with local choke points. One spot, the Mubarikpur causeway, has experienced many closures due to overflowing water. This situation shows how vulnerable Dera Bassi’s infrastructure is during heavy rainfall.

Recent Measures and Monitoring

After significant damage last year, the embankments near Tiwana have been strengthened. These improvements have helped manage the recent high water flows. However, some areas still need close monitoring for erosion. The water resources department has installed stone revetments and studs along these particular stretches this monsoon.

Conclusion

The situation remains serious for those living by the Ghaggar River. With heavy rain continuing and the risk of flooding high, the SAS Nagar administration’s warning serves as a crucial alert for local residents. Everyone should stay informed and prepared to ensure their safety. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry! 🌧️

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Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh & Gold Ornaments in Ludhiana

Incident Overview

A man named Deepak Singh from Basant Nagar has reported a serious crime.

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Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh & Gold Ornaments in Ludhiana

Incident Overview

A man named Deepak Singh from Basant Nagar has reported a serious crime. His Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh in cash and gold jewelry from their home. This incident happened in the Daba area of Ludhiana.

Deepak Singh works at a bank. On August 25, while he was at work and their children were at school, Dimple and Mehak allegedly left the house together. A tenant nearby informed Deepak that they had seen the two women leaving with bags of household items.

Discovery of the Crime

When Deepak returned home, he found that the cash and gold were missing. This led him to approach the local police for help. The police registered a case against Dimple and Mehak under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with certain types of theft and runaway acts.

Officials at Daba police station confirmed the situation. They mentioned, “A case has been registered, and efforts are on to trace their mobile numbers to locate them.” Investigating these cases quickly is important, especially as violent crimes, including thefts and robberies, have been increasing in Punjab. This is especially true in cities like Ludhiana and Mohali, where such incidents happen more frequently.

Background of the Family

Deepak Singh married Dimple in 2013, and they have two children together. The family dynamics now seem affected by this incident. It raises questions about trust and safety within families and communities.

Related Incident: Elderly Woman Robbed

In another shocking event, an elderly woman named Rama Sharma was robbed of her gold bangles. This incident took place on Pakhowal Road while she was shopping for guavas. Rama lives in Housefed Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. She and her husband were approached by two young men on a motorcycle who asked for directions.

While distracted, the robbers swiftly yanked the bangles off Rama’s wrists and sped away. This theft has added to the growing concern about safety in the area. The Dugri police station has filed a case against the unidentified motorcycle-borne youths.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigating officer Baljit Kumar stated that CCTV footage from the market area is being reviewed. This may help catch the robbers in Rama’s case. Videos from surveillance cameras are often key in solving crimes.

Safety and Crime in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, which is the largest city in Punjab, has a rich history of industrial growth. It is known as the heart of India’s hosiery and textile industry. However, as the city grows, so does the concern for safety. Events like these remind the public how important it is to stay vigilant.

Punjab’s cities, particularly Ludhiana and Mohali, have seen a rise in violent crimes. Many residents are worried and seek better safety measures. Efforts to improve law and order are vital for community security.

The Influence of Chandigarhs’ Cleanliness

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, was rated the cleanest city in India in the 2021 Swachh Survekshan survey. Maintaining cleanliness and safety is crucial for every city. People feel more secure in clean, orderly environments. Encouraging community involvement can help fight crime and improve safety.

The Chandigarh Tricity area hosts about 1.5 million people. This large population means that communities must work together. Neighborhood watch programs can help reduce crime rates. Such initiatives encourage people to support one another.

Conclusion

As the investigation into Deepak Singh’s case, where his Wife & Sister-in-Law Steal ₹5 Lakh, and the robbery of Rama Sharma continues, it highlights the urgent need for improved safety in Ludhiana. The city’s reputation as a thriving industrial center must also include a commitment to community safety. People living in Ludhiana deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.

With efforts from the community and law enforcement, we can hope for a safer environment for everyone. Awareness and cooperation are essential in reducing crime and creating a trusting community.

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