Punjab Congress urges FIR against Haryana Home Minister Vij

A delegation of Punjab Congress, under the leadership of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), convened with the Chief Secretary of Punjab to address the critical issue of law and order jurisdiction breaches by the Haryana police force. The delegation strongly advocated for the initiation of an FIR against the Haryana Home Minister, Anil Vij, and senior police officials of Haryana in response to the grave concerns raised.

In unwavering solidarity with the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Haryana border, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee condemned the deployment of tear gas shells and rubber bullets by the Haryana police force into Punjab territory as not only unlawful but also unconstitutional. Emphasizing that the farmers have remained within the bounds of Punjab, it was reiterated that the Haryana police have no legal authority to employ such coercive measures.

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has continued his resolute support to the farmers as their struggles continue. Earlier, the PPCC Chief launched an official free legal aid helpline to provide legal support to the farmers throughout the protest. The number for the same is 8283025019. While the farmer unions request no political involvement during the protest, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring continues work from the backend in order to get the rights that the farmers of Punjab deserve.

In a formal statement, the PPCC Chief expressed, “The severe injuries sustained by the farmers, including those to vital areas such as eyes, head, and neck, are egregious violations of their fundamental rights, including the right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(A) and the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21. Such actions by the Haryana police are deeply concerning and warrant immediate redressal.”

Following the submission of the memorandum, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring addressed the media, stating, “We have engaged in constructive dialogue with the Chief Secretary of Punjab and have entrusted him with the letter addressed to the Chief Minister. The farmers’ peaceful protests have been met with disproportionate force by the Haryana administration. It is imperative to highlight that the farmers have conducted themselves peacefully, without transgressing into Haryana territory. The use of extreme measures against them is unjustifiable.”

Highlighting the atrocities inflicted upon the farmers, Raja Warring added, “The indiscriminate firing of rubber bullets has resulted in numerous injuries during the protests, with over a hundred individuals harmed in the past two days alone. The loss of over 700 lives during previous protests is already a grievous toll on Punjab. We demand swift action from the Punjab government to address these flagrant violations of human rights and to pursue legal recourse against the Haryana Home Minister and the Ambala SP. It is unacceptable for the BJP-led government to wield such influence that the Haryana police are instructed to operate within Punjab’s jurisdiction.”

Addressing the role of the Punjab Chief Minister, the PPCC Chief remarked, “The onus is now on Bhagwant Mann to translate rhetoric into action and prioritize the welfare of Punjab. Copies of the memorandum have been forwarded to the Director General of Police of Punjab, with the expectation that the Chief Minister will expeditiously address these concerns.

We fervently hope that the ongoing dialogue between farmer unions and the government yields fruitful resolutions and brings an end to the injustices faced by our farmers.”
In conclusion, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring affirmed, “Our unwavering support for the farmers is driven not by political motives but by our duty as responsible citizens of Punjab. We demand restitution for the damages inflicted upon Punjab and its people by the central government. Despite attempts to instill fear, the resilience of the Punjabi people remains unshaken, and our struggle will persist until justice is served and the rights of our farmers are safeguarded.”

The delegation of Punjab Congress which met the Chief Secretary of Punjab included former minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Gurkirat Kotli, MP Amar Singh, Former MLA Gurpreet Singh GP and party leaders Kamil Amar Singh, and Gurbhej Tibbi.