BSP Condemns Police Action on Dalit Labourers in Sohian Village, Terms Government Oppressive/Dr. Avtar Singh Karimpuri

 BSP Condemns Police Action on Dalit Labourers in Sohian Village, Terms Government Oppressive/Dr. Avtar Singh Karimpuri

Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/May 21

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Punjab President Dr. Avtar Singh Karimpuri strongly condemned the police action against Dalit labourers in Sohian village of Sangrur district over a 930-acre land dispute. He described the Punjab government as oppressive and accused it of launching a feudal-style crackdown on landless people with the support of the police force. Dr. Karimpuri asserted that BSP would not tolerate such repression.

He alleged that the only fault of these landless villagers, who have lived there for generations, was that they demanded rightful ownership of the 930 acres of government land. Around 2,000 police personnel reportedly carried out a crackdown, arresting the poor labourers and trying to suppress their voice.

Dr. Karimpuri declared that BSP's slogan and struggle is: "The land that belongs to the government is the land that belongs to us." From Sohian to any village where people are fighting for their rights, BSP stands firmly with them. He demanded the immediate release of all innocent persons arrested in the crackdown and called for the prompt distribution of government land to the landless to make them rightful owners.

Highlighting the disparity, Dr. Karimpuri said that while Dalits make up 35 to 40 percent of Punjab’s population, they own only 6.5 percent of the land—a situation similar for the OBC community. Referring to former UP Chief Minister Behen Kumari Mayawati’s tenure, he said millions of acres were distributed free of cost to the landless during her government. The same will be done in Punjab if BSP comes to power, he assured.

In conclusion, Dr. Karimpuri appealed to the people of Punjab to unite with the BSP. He emphasized that unless people become aware and form their own government, they will continue to be denied their rights. He also warned that, if necessary, BSP would directly intervene in Sangrur to support the aggrieved people.