Government’s Intimidation of Sarpanches in Halqa Qila Raippur stayed by High Court - 23/04/2007
Government’s Intimidation of Sarpanches in Halqa Qila Raippur stayed by High Court.One of the first acts of the new Akali Government was to endeavor to stop the development work in the villages.
The order of the Special Secretary Planning dated 1 March 07 asked that all utilizations of funds sanctioned under the Punjab Nirman Programme and United Funds be stopped forthwith and all unutilized funds immediately be returned.
DDPO Ludhiana, BDO Dehlon and BDO Pakhowal misused this order to selectively harass Congress Sarpanches in Halqa Qila Raipur.
Moreover, under extreme political pressure from S. Jagdish Singh Garcha, Ex- MLA, they attempted to forcibly extract the records maintained by the Sarpanches, even threatening to use brute police force if required.
Pursuant to writ petition 5394 and 5395 of 2007 the Punjab and Haryana High Court by its order dated 16.04.07 have stayed the order of the Special Secretary Planning as well as the BDOs from so harassing the sarpanches.
If ever proof was needed that this government is vindictive and intends to use all means, fair and foul, to harass and intimidate Congress Sarpanches and workers, this is it.
The people of Halqa Qila Raipur have full faith in the judiciary to protect their interests.
It is better that this Akali Government understands that its thuggery will not be condoned by the people of Punjab or the Courts of Law.
(Jassi Khangura)
MLA Halqa Qila Raipur
