A senior Punjab police official quit his job to support farmers protesting the three new agricultural laws, saying the laws were “detrimental to the interests of farmers and their future generations.” Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Police (Prisons) Lakhminder Singh Jakhar said he had submitted his resignation from the state government on Saturday.
“I, Captain Lakhminder Singh Jakhar, DIG, Prisons would like to inform you of my thoughtful and introspective decision to support my fellow farmers who are peacefully protesting against the 2020 Farm Ordinances that are detrimental to the interests of farmers and their future generations,” He wrote Jakhar to the main secretary (house).
“As I am a farmer by birth and I inherited the same from my ancestors who tilled their agricultural lands with their hands to grow food and serve humanity. I have always listened to my conscience and now I sincerely feel that I must support my brotherhood, ”he said in the letter.
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Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been protesting at various border points in Delhi to protest the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price system, leaving them “at the mercy” of large corporations.
“Farmers have been protesting peacefully for a long time. No one listened to their problems. I am from a disciplined force and by the rules, I cannot support a protest if I am on duty. First I have to decide on my job and then decide the further course of action, ”Jakhar said, according to the ANI news agency. “According to the rules, I have to give a three month notice for such action or I have to submit the paid allowances for that period if I want to resign today. I am ready to deposit the amount because I have to go now. I am the son of a farmer and I am proud of it, ”he added.
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Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has said that he has returned his Padma Vibhushan award in protest against the Center’s agricultural laws. SAD (Democrat) leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa also announced that he would return the Padma Bhushan award to express his solidarity with farmers.
Several international actors from Punjab have also extended their support for the farmers’ agitation. Noted Punjabi poet Surjit Patar had also announced his decision to return his Padma Shri award.
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