Punjab President writes to PM Narendra Modi protesting gallantry medals awarded to Haryana police

Chandigarh: Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the Haryana government's recent decision to recommend gallantry medals to six police officers for their role “in preventing eviction of farmers” from Delhi under their 'Delhi Chalo' programme.

The Haryana government, in its recommendations sent to the Centre recently, had recommended the names of six police officers, including three from the IPS and three from the Haryana Police Service, for the 'Police Gallantry Medal'.

Farmers grouped under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) were prevented from moving towards the national capital in February.

As part of their 'Delhi Chalo' programme, they were visiting Delhi to pressurise the government to accept their demands, including that the Centre provide a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) of crops.

The protesting farmers have been staying at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, when their march was stopped by security forces.

Young farmer Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda was killed and scores of policemen injured in clashes at Khanauri border post on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21.

In a letter to the prime minister on Tuesday, Parliament Speaker Sandhwan wrote that it was very unfortunate that the farmers' fraternity was being “vilified” and treated in a highly inappropriate manner, while they were peacefully agitating for their long-standing rights in Punjab.

While supporting the farmers' demands, he expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the recommendation of the Haryana Director General of Police to award gallantry medals to six police personnel, “who played a role in stopping the farmers' march at Shambhu border”.

Notably, in February, the six officers were deployed during the farmers' protests at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, where security personnel prevented the protesting farmers from marching towards the national capital.

“I deeply respect the bravery and dedication of our police force and believe it is essential to consider the context and implications of their actions. However, the situation on the Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu is extremely sensitive. The police officers involved acted in accordance with their duty, but their actions should not be glorified with gallantry medals,” he said.

The Punjab Assembly Speaker wrote that awarding gallantry medals to officers involved in such actions “is tantamount to adding insult to injury”.

“This not only undermines the democratic values ​​that our great nation upholds, but also shows disrespect for the legitimate and peaceful struggle of our farmers. This decision could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the use of force against peaceful protesters is commendable and worthy of honour,” he wrote.

Stating that the farmers' protest was a significant expression of democratic rights as farmers expressed their legitimate concerns and demands, he said the agitation was “largely peaceful and the farmers were exercising their fundamental right to assemble and march towards the nation's capital to express their dissent.”

He said the police action, although carried out in accordance with directives, caused considerable distress and hardship to many peaceful protesters.

“This involves encouraging the use of force against peaceful protesters and sets a dangerous precedent that could erode our nation's democratic values,” he said.

On the role of the police, he wrote: “The Haryana police, tasked with maintaining order, stopped the march of disgruntled farmers towards our capital. Their actions, commendable in themselves, are now being confronted with the raw emotions of those who till the land.” “My appeal is simple: let us honour courage without giving up understanding,” he said.

While urging the prime minister to reconsider the recommendation on gallantry medals, Sandhwan said, “It is imperative that we uphold the principles of democracy, justice and human rights. The farmers of our country deserve respect and recognition for their contributions, not further alienation and injustice.”