Nawanshahr (Asian independent) (Jatinderpal Singh Kaler): The Centre and state governments are allegedly implementing pro-capitalist and corporate-friendly policies, and whenever people raise their voice for their rights, attempts are made to suppress them through police repression. Suppressing those who stand for justice, truth and their rights through police force in the intoxication of power is a warning sign for democracy. This was stated by Comrade Karan Singh Rana, General Secretary of the Sanjha Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, associated with the Bhai Lalo Lok Manch, while speaking to the press here today. He said that the Central Government allegedly used excessive police force to suppress the rights-based agitation being carried out by students and youth at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, while the students were protesting against paper leaks and demanding employment. Rana alleged that similarly, two women journalists in Delhi were also allegedly subjected to excessive police action for questioning the government, raising serious questions over press freedom and democratic rights. Questions raised over police action in Sheron incident Referring to the incident in Sheron village of Sangrur district, Punjab, Comrade Karan Singh Rana said that farmer Mohan Jeet had raised questions about deadly drugs during the Chief Minister’s rally and, in protest, displayed a black cloth towards the rally from his home. He alleged that the subsequent action by police officials against him amounted to repression, which had shocked the people. He said that people had launched a struggle against the alleged police action. He said that a labourer, Gulzar Singh, from the Dirba constituency of the same district had questioned a minister regarding the issue of deadly drugs. According to Rana, people associated with the government allegedly humiliated and harassed Gulzar Singh to such an extent that he was forced to end his life. He termed the incident extremely unfortunate and demanded that accountability be fixed. ‘Policies have made the lives of farmers, labourers and employees hellish’ Rana said that the reality, according to him, is that the Centre and state governments are implementing corporate-friendly policies. He claimed that these policies are filling the coffers of capitalist corporate houses, while making the lives of farmers, labourers, employees and other working people increasingly difficult. He said that these policies have allegedly contributed to the growing prevalence of deadly drugs, corruption and communal hatred, while attempts are being made to cover up genuine public issues through alleged false propaganda and hypocrisy. He said that whenever a citizen raises issues concerning their rights or demands, governments allegedly activate the police to suppress them, which he described as a worrying trend for the democratic system. Demand for judicial probe into both incidents Comrade Karan Singh Rana demanded an impartial judicial inquiry into both incidents that took place in Sangrur district. He said that allegations of alleged governmental repression and gross violations of human rights had emerged in these incidents and therefore the truth of the entire matter should be brought before the public. He strongly demanded that if any police officer or political person is found guilty during the inquiry, strict action should be taken against them and they should be punished according to law, so that no citizen’s voice for rights and truth can be suppressed through force in the future.
