Minister hindering deal implementation: Farmer leader

Sriganganagar, Nov 7 (UNI) Sant Lekha Singh, chairman of Kisan Mazdoor Vyapari Sangharsh Samiti, has alleged that the State Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria is not keen on implementing the agreement reached with Phase I farmers of Indira Gandhi Canal Project areas in 2004.

He said Mr Kataria has termed the deal with farmers two years back as a 'mistake'. Mr Singh said Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is in favour of providing more irrigation water for the farmers but the minister has become an obstacle in their path.

Mr Kataria is pressing the government not to implement the 2004 deal.

He said the farmers are only demanding the rightful share of irrigation water according to 2004 deal and also asking for compensation package for Chanduram Saran's family on the basis of the agreement.

Chanduram had allegedly died of wounds sustained in police lathicharge in Gharsana.

He said the Samiti had arranged meetings before the beginning .

of the agitation to warn the government about their demands. The meeting held on September 30 had given the government nine days time to consider their demands.

He alleged that the government, instead of taking any action, used force to trample the farmers' legitimate demands.

Meanwhile, the cause Chanduram's death has still not been disclosed even though reports were sent to Bikaner Medical College yesterday for further study.

The talks between state government representatives and the farmer leaders also could not be held yesterday. The talks are expected to be held today.

Meanwhile, Congress Party held its committee meetings today in the Phase I areas of IGCP comprising irrigated areas in Hanumangarh, Ganganagar and Bikaner. The meetings were presided over by state Congress president Dr B D Kalla.

The party alleged that government has become incommunicado on the problems of the farmers.

UNI XC RRT SB HT1828