14 farmers arrested in Haryana's Kaithal for stubble-burning
Chandigarh (PTI): Fourteen farmers were arrested in Haryana's Kaithal district over the past few days for burning stubble in their fields, a police official said on Monday, as pollution levels in the region, including the national capital, soar.
Stubble-burning in Haryana and neighbouring Punjab is often blamed for the rise in pollution levels in Delhi, especially during the post-harvest season of October and November.
"During the past few days, fourteen farmers were arrested for burning stubble, but they were later released on bail as the offence is bailable," Kaithal's Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Birbhan said over the phone.
Cases have been lodged under the provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and other relevant provisions of the law for burning stubble, he said.
FIRs were registered recently for stubble-burning in some other districts also, including Panipat and Yamunanagar.
Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad on Sunday directed deputy commissioners to ensure stubble-burning incidents are effectively curtailed.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments over the non-prosecution of those found guilty of stubble-burning. It has summoned the chief secretaries of the both states to appear before it on October 23 for an explanation.
A bench of justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Maish pointed out "complete insensitivity" on the part of the two states, directing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take penal action against their government officials for the failure to take action against the violators.
Farmers set paddy residue ablaze to clear their fields to sow wheat, a Rabi crop, as the window between harvesting and sowing is very short.
Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress general secretary and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja recently demanded that the government fix an MSP for stubble and buy it from farmers.
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Hindutva goons in Himachal Pradesh assault migrant hawker for entering town near Shimla; Booked
Shimla: Four individuals have been booked for assaulting and threatening a migrant hawker in Dhami, around 30 km from Shimla, amid ongoing tensions regarding alleged illegal mosques and the rise in the number of undocumented migrants in the state.
The incident came to light after a video circulated online, showing a man demanding the hawker’s Aadhaar card. When the hawker, riding a bike, failed to produce the card, the assailant slapped him multiple times, hurling abusive language. The video further shows the accused forcing the hawker into a "murga" punishment position and threatening to kill him with a sword. The perpetrator is also heard asking his associate to fetch the weapon.
In the footage, locals are heard questioning the hawker about his return to the village after allegedly being warned to stay away.
Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation has been initiated. This attack comes in the wake of protests in certain parts of the state, led by Hindu organizations, against alleged illegal mosques and unidentified migrants. In September, some of these groups had urged the state government to verify the identities of migrants residing in Himachal Pradesh.
Condemning the incident, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sanjay Chauhan took to social media to denounce the attack. In his post, Chauhan called for strict legal action against the culprits and warned against the growing communal discord in the state.
"This shameful act has no place in an educated and peaceful state like Himachal Pradesh. Some elements are intentionally creating communal tensions, which is damaging the state's reputation. Incidents like these are affecting tourism and other businesses, which are vital for the livelihood of thousands of families," Chauhan stated.
The police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation into the matter.
#Dhami, Himachal Pradesh: A hindutva goon is seen assaulting a hawker for entering into village to sell goods, he can be heard saying “laa wo meri talwar is ko kaat hi dete hai aaj” in Dhami, HP few kms away from the state capital.
— Saba Khan (@ItsKhan_Saba) October 21, 2024
Either it's BJP ruled state or Congress ki… pic.twitter.com/rOgvLVsZXg
