In a dramatic turn of events, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait faction) staged a protest at the Mangalore power station on Wednesday, opposing the actions of the vigilance team during an operation conducted on December 10. Farmers raised slogans and accused the power corporation of arbitrary actions and harassment. In a bold move, the protesters forced energy corporation officials to sit amidst them, demanding their grievances be addressed before allowing them to leave. The officials assured the protesters that a special camp would soon be organized to resolve the farmers’ issues.
The protest stems from an incident on December 10, when a vigilance team filed legal cases against several individuals. Farmers claim the operation was excessive, alleging that the team, along with energy corporation staff, engaged in misconduct and filed false cases against locals. Adding to their outrage, they accused the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) of using force against villagers and women, including lathi charges that caused injuries and distress.
Farmers voiced their growing dissatisfaction with what they described as continuous harassment and efforts to defame their community. They demanded free electricity for farmers, emphasizing the dire conditions they are facing. Amidst persistent slogans and protests, the situation escalated as the farmers declared that their agitation would not cease until their demands were met.
Energy department officials, including Executive Engineer Anil Kumar Mishra from Roorkee, Gulshan Bulani, and Anubhav Saini, arrived at the scene to address the agitated farmers. However, the protesters made it clear that no resolution could be reached unless the cases filed against them were withdrawn. The officials were compelled to remain with the protesters as chants and demands continued for several hours.
Farmers insist that all legal cases filed during the December 10 operation be immediately revoked, accusing the authorities of targeting them unfairly. In response, the Executive Engineer promised that a dedicated camp would soon be held in Mangalore to address the farmers’ grievances.
Key leaders from the Bharatiya Kisan Union, including Sanjay Chaudhary, President of the Garhwal Mandal; Vijay Shastri, District President; and other prominent members such as Sukrampal Singh, Rampal Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Tejpal Singh, Virendra Singh, and Ajay Kumar, were present during the protest, lending their support to the cause.
The protest underscores the growing tension between farmers and authorities, highlighting unresolved issues and the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further escalation. The farmers have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
