LS Jakhar’s resignation is the first act of dissent of its kind by an official who supports farmers.
Chandigarh:
Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Lakhminder Singh Jakhar said today that he has resigned from the service in support of farmers protesting against three new agricultural laws introduced by the central government.
“He (Mr Jakhar) submitted his resignation on Saturday, but it has not yet been accepted,” PK Sinha, ADGP Prisons of Punjab Police, told NDTV. “He comes from a family of owners in the Abohar area of the Fazilka district in Punjab.”
This move by Jakhar, who was suspended on corruption allegations but was reinstated two months ago, officials say, is possibly the first act of dissent of its kind by a senior government official in connection with the agitation of farmers in course that has shaken the country in recent weeks.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other states have stayed at various border points in Delhi, protesting against the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price system and leave them at the “mercy” of large corporations.
While various political parties such as Congress, the SP, and the BSP, and their leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Mayawati have openly expressed their support for farmers, many have threatened to return the government’s top awards if the concerns of farmers protesters are not resolved.
Those from other fields have also come out to support them.
For example, earlier this month, a group of Punjab’s top athletes and coaches said they will return all their medals and awards and lay siege to Delhi in solidarity with farmers in the state. Pop artists such as Diljit Dosanjh and Punjabi poets Surjit Patar have also joined the protests in various ways.
.
