Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan Criticizes Gallantry Medals for Police Involved in Farmer Protests
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 24: Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has written a letter to Prime Minister Modi condemning the decision to award gallantry medals to policemen who were involved in stopping farmers’ protests. Sandhwan expressed his deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recommendation by the Director General of Police of Haryana for gallantry medals to six police officers who played a role in stopping the farmers’ march at the Shambu border recently.
Sandhwan stated, “While supporting farmers’ demands, I express my deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recommendation by the Director General of Police of Haryana for gallantry medals to six police officers/officials, who played a role in stopping the farmers’ march at Shambu border recently. I deeply respect the bravery and dedication of our police force and believe it is essential to consider the context and implications of their actions. However, the situation at the Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu is highly sensitive. The policemen involved acted in accordance with their duty, but their actions should not be glorified with gallantry medals.”
He further added that the farmers’ fraternity is being vilified and treated in an extremely uncalled manner. Sandhwan emphasized the importance of recognizing the invaluable role farmers played in bringing about the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which was crucial for India’s food security.
Sandhwan called the decision to award the policemen insensitive and stated, “Awarding gallantry medals to officers involved in such actions is akin to adding insult to injury. It not only undermines the democratic values that our great nation stands for but also disrespects the legitimate and peaceful struggle of our farmers. This decision could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the use of force against peaceful protestors is commendable and worthy of honor.”
In response to the situation, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced a series of protests. They plan to burn effigies of the Modi government nationwide and launch a fresh protest to demand the legalization of MSP guarantees. A tractor rally is scheduled for August 15, Independence Day, and copies of new criminal laws will be burned. The farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march will complete 200 days on August 31, and rallies are planned in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in September.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab Speaker -: The Punjab Speaker is the person who leads the meetings in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, which is a group of people who make laws for the state of Punjab.
Kultar Singh Sandhwan -: Kultar Singh Sandhwan is the name of the person who is currently the Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly.
Gallantry Medals -: Gallantry Medals are special awards given to people, usually in the police or military, for showing great bravery and courage.
Farmer Protests -: Farmer Protests are when farmers gather together to show they are unhappy about something, like new laws or policies that affect their work.
Shambu border -: The Shambu border is a place in Punjab where many farmers gathered to protest against certain laws.
PM Modi -: PM Modi is short for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the leader of India.
Vilification -: Vilification means saying very bad things about someone to make them look bad.
Insensitive -: Insensitive means not thinking about other people’s feelings or not caring if you hurt them.
Tractor rally -: A tractor rally is when farmers drive their tractors in a big group to show their protest or support for something.
Independence Day -: Independence Day is a special day in India, celebrated on August 15th, to remember when India became free from British rule.
Uttar Pradesh -: Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its large population and historical places.
Haryana -: Haryana is a state in northern India, close to Delhi, known for its agriculture and farming.
