Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal Khattar has written to Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, who is also Punjab officiating Governor requesting him to not to sign the bill related to SYl canal passed by Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
The letter stated, “In an attempt to circumvent and divert the ongoing hearing in the Presidential Reference before the Supreme Court of India and to deprive Haryana of its legitimate share of water of Ravi Beas, Punjab Vidhan Sabha has passed the Punjab Sutlej Yamuna link Canal (Rehabilitation and Re-vesting of Proprietary Rights) Bill on March 14. Through this Bill, Punjab Government intends to de-notify the lawfully acquired land for construction of SYl. Haryana Vidhan Sabha has unanimously passed a resolution condemning this unilateral and unconstitutional action of Punjab on March 14.”
A copy of resolution passed by Haryana Assembly was also sent to the Governor.
Referring to the reports of filling up of SYl canal in Punjab by farmers, the letter stated, “As per many press reports of today, farmers have started filling up the SYl canal in Punjab territory in Patiala and Ropar districts. This is blatantly illegal and irresponsible act on the part of state of Punjab.”
I therefore request you to withhold your assent to the said Bill and also direct the Government of Punjab to immediately restore the status quo of the SYl in Punjab as it existed on March 14, 2016, said the Chief Minister in a letter written to the Governor.
The Chief Minister also held a meeting with state Ministers on Wednesday evening on SYl issue.
Manohar lal is now likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to apprize him about the SYl canal issue and requesting his intervention.