Farmers to launch protest on Dec 10 in Punjab

Moga, Dec 7: Farmers outfits on Monday,Dec 7 announced that a protest would be launched on December 10 against the Punjab Prevention of Damage to the Public and Private Property Act, 2014, which they described as an "anti-people" law.

Farm workers unions and other organisations along with farmers outfits will carry out protest rallies and burn effigies of state government to express their anger against the law, said Sukhdev Singh Kokari, General Secretary, BKU Ekta Ugrahan here.

"Under this law, even a head constable is authorised to take action against the violators where earlier such action could only be taken by a senior officer," he said.

He said protest rallies will be taken out at tehsil level in Moga while effigies will be burnt at four places including Moga, Bahghapurana, Nihalsinghwala and Dharamkot.

Under this Bill passed last year, anyone found guilty of damaging public and private property, can be awarded a jail term which may extend to one year and will be liable to fine which may extend to Rs 1 lakh.

Anybody found guilty of damaging public/private properties by fire or explosive substance, shall be punished with a term not less than one year but which may extend to two years and shall be liable to fine of Rs 3 lakh, as per the bill.

PTI