Multai issue: KSS on warpath again

THE KISAN Sangharsha Samiti (KSS) ? that enjoys the patronage of Multai MLA Dr Sunilam - is once again on warpath regarding the pending issues of Multai shooting incident of 1998 in which 12 farmers were killed.

THE KISAN Sangharsha Samiti (KSS) – that enjoys the patronage of Multai MLA Dr Sunilam - is once again on warpath regarding the pending issues of Multai shooting incident of 1998 in which 12 farmers were killed.

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Having failed to get appointment with the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on this issue, Dr Sunilam and state president of KSS Tanti Choudhary on Thursday warned of renewing agitation.

The organisation is demanding approval of Rs 20 lakh from Sunilam’s MLA fund for the setting up of Shahid Kisan Stambh (memorial) at Multai, provision of employment to the dependents of the farmers’ killed during the incident and revoking of the criminal cases against the farmers related to the incident.

Dr Sunilam has written to the Governor Dr Balram Jakhar demanding intervention in the matter directing the state government to fulfill its promises.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Dr Sunilam said that since last eight years the successive governments repeatedly assured the farmers on the above demands, but no action has been taken on ground. He said that while the government itself should have released funds for the setting up of the Shahid Kisan Stambh, it is running shy of approving his MLA fund grant for the work.

Sunilam said that despite assurances in the House, the dependents of the killed farmers have not been provided employment. Also despite assurance the 67 criminal cases against 250 farmers had not been revoked, he pointed out.

He said that every year during the anniversary of the incident, government comes out with promises but nothing comes out of them. ‘We are now losing patience and agitation would be launched to press the demands,’’ Dr Sunilam warned.