Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Wednesday strongly criticized the recent recommendation for gallantry awards to Haryana police officers involved in the controversial Shambhu farmer protest. Addressing his concerns directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sandhwan has called for a reconsideration of this decision, emphasizing the need for justice and compassion in handling the sensitive issue.
Sandhwan, in a letter sent to the Prime Minister, expressed his deep apprehension and condemnation regarding the Haryana Director General of Police's (DGP) recommendation to honour six police officers with gallantry medals, who were instrumental in the recent clashes at the Shambhu border, where a farmers’ march was met with significant resistance.
“While I have profound respect for the bravery and dedication of our police force, it is crucial to assess the broader context and repercussions of their actions,” Sandhwan wrote. He emphasized that the situation at the Punjab-Haryana border was highly charged, with significant implications for both communities and the democratic values they uphold.
“The recommendation of gallantry awards in this context could be perceived as a form of insensitivity towards the plight of the farmers and the injustices they have faced,” Sandhwan stated, while urging the Prime Minister, as the highest constitutional authority in the country, to reconsider the decision.
“It is imperative that we uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights. The farmers of our nation deserve respect and acknowledgment for their contributions, not further alienation and injustice,” he said.
Sandhwan’s letter also reflected on the broader implications of such decisions, stressing that the memory of individuals like Shubhkaran, a young farmer who died during the protests, should inspire a more empathetic and fair response. His appeal is not just about revisiting the gallantry award recommendation but also about ensuring that responses to farmers’ protests align with democratic values and human rights.
The letter underscored a critical perspective — while acknowledging the police’s role in maintaining order, Sandhwan argued that such recognitions should not be awarded without a thorough consideration of the actions’ impact on the farmers’ movement. The farmers’ protests, which have been a significant national issue, are viewed by many as a quest for justice and fair treatment. The decision to award gallantry medals to those who were involved in countering these protests could be seen as exacerbating the existing tensions and grievances.
