Punjab:farm unions protest against G-20 meetings in Amritsar

In Punjab, farmers' unions on Wednesday held a protest to oppose global event G20 in Amritsar. The farmers' unions claimed that the G20, the World Bank and IMF were "promoting imperialism". The union leaders said subjects of agriculture, industry, education, health, power and water “should not be discussed imperialists”. State president of BKU-Ekta Ugrahan Joginder Singh Ugrahan said, “By inviting the countries, which were involved in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Bhagwant Mann government has betrayed the martyrs.” While terming the G20 summit a ‘platform for pledging India to imperial countries’, Ugrahan said, “The meetings are being held to loot Punjab state.

The protesting workers had gathered in a marriage palace on the outskirts of the holy city and also raised slogans against the state and the central government. Earlier, the union leaders had sought permission from the district administration for their protest in the city, but it was refused and Section 144 was imposed. The protest march was launched by Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and Punjab Lok Morcha. The protest was held in Daburji area, 12 kilometres from the G20 Summit meeting venue. The Punjab government has said adequate security arrangements are in place and no one will be allowed to protest at G20 Summit venues.