Farmer labourers gherao Cong leaders in 17 places to protest inflated power bills, demand waiver of loans

THOUSANDS OF farm labourers on Thursday fanned out across Punjab and staged dharnas in front of the residences of Congress ministers, legislators and MPs at 17 locations to press for their demands of waiver of electricity bills, waiver of loans, and repeal of amendments made to labour and agricultural laws. Theprotests were organised by a joint front of several farm labour unions.

Issuing a statement on behalf of the union, Lachhman Singh Sewewala, the general secretary of Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union said, ‘’We will step up our agitation and organise a day-night dharna from August 9-11 in Patiala to press for our demands.”