Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera

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Farmers up in arms against Radha Soami dera
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Express news service
Posted online: Monday , January 28, 2008 at 11:08:32
Updated: Sunday , January 27, 2008 at 11:25:10
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Amritsar, January 27 Various farmers’ unions, including Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha and Kirti Kisan Union, today announced an indefinite agitation against the state government and Dera Radha Soami at Beas for forcibly acquiring arable lands in various villages. They said the land, up to 80 acres, was being acquired from farmers for a road, which would benefit the dera but not the common man.

Talking to mediapersons here today, KSC leader Satnam Singh Pannu alleged that the SAD-BJP government was working under pressure from dera functionaries and was bent upon building an alternate road. The road will link Dera Beas from Sathiala. “This will provide another opportunity to the dera for illegally occupying farmers’ lands in future also,” said Pannu.

Farmer leaders threatened to launch an agitation if the state government did not take notice of this. “We will gherao the Baba Bakala SDM’s office,” said Rattan Singh Randhawa, head of the district unit of Jamhuri Kisan Sabha. He said an additional road from Sathiala to Dera Beas was not required. He said during elections, the SAD had promised to the farmers that notification in this regard would be cancelled after they assume power, but nothing has been done.