In spite of Bhagwant Mann’s announcement that the ethanol plant in Mansurwala village in Zira will be closed, the protesters seem unwilling to lift the dharna.
Farmers and labor unions who have been protesting for the past six months will meet on Thursday at 11 am to take a final decision about lifting their dharna.
Sanjha Morcha members who led the protest said they would wait for the CM’s written orders and demand all cases filed against them during agitation be immediately withdrawn.
A repeat of Delhi is not what we want. There was no written response to the farmers’ protest. Sarpanch Gurmel Singh of Mansurwala village later realized that the Centre was not fulfilling their demands.
After the state government decided to shut down the ethanol plant, protesters were elated. Mann was thanked and slogans of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal” were raised. A protester said, “CM Mann has become our hero today.”.
According to Roman Brar, a member of the Sanjha Morcha, the protest began on July 24. As a result, we endured heavy rains, scorching heat, and bone-chilling temperatures. Until we achieved our goal, we would not give up.”
“Groundwater has become contaminated, cattle have died, soil fertility has decreased, and locals are suffering from various ailments,” said Jagtar Singh, another morcha member. Air and water were all we were fighting for. We have finally been heard.”
