Farmers Movement Archive

Farm labourers from Mansa village stuck in Haryana

MANSA: A number of farm labourers who had gone to Sirsa district of Haryana to undertake harvesting operations are stuck in the neighbouring state. After they nearly finished harvesting of mustard, the labourers wanted to return but were stranded due to imposition of curfew. With labourers unable to buy essential provisions, representatives of farm and labourers’ organisations raised the issue with the Mansa deputy commissioner, who assured that he would approach his Sirsa counterpart to help provide the labourers with essentials. The labourers from Kot Dharmu village in Mansa had gone to Nejia Khera village in Sirsa in late February for harvesting of mustard. They were to return to Punjab by March 31 for wheat harvesting. Speaking to TOI over the phone from Nejia Khera, one of the labourers, Janta Singh said, “We have completed harvesting operations and wanted to return but we are not allowed to move around. We do not have much ration and our families back home are worried.” Labourers Manpreet Singh and Pala Singh said they want to return to be with their families and to undertake harvesting operations in Punjab. Farm organisation BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) representative Malkit Singh said, “The farm labourers stuck in Haryana called us and informed us about their predicament. They are worried about families back home as there is not much ration left in homes as well. We provided ration to their families in Mansa village and have taken up the issue with the Mansa deputy commissioner to help them return to their village.” Mansa DC Gurpal Singh Chahal said, “Representatives of labourers met me. I have taken up the matter with Sirsa deputy commissioner to provide them with essentials and make arrangements for their return as early as possible. My Sirsa counterpart has assured all possible help.”

The Times of India

2020-04-04

Chandigarh