There is a possibility of tension increasing today in the protests against the ethanol factory in Hanumangarh. Congress leaders and farmers have warned that the agitation will continue until their demands are met.
From Thursday morning, farmers have started reaching the Gurudwara near the protest site. Even today, internet is closed in Tibbi area of ​​the district.
On Wednesday (December 10), farmers broke the wall of the Dune Ethanol Private Limited factory under construction in Rathikheda village of the district. After this, violence broke out and there was a lot of arson and stone pelting.
Angry farmers burnt 14 vehicles due to lathicharge and tear gas shells. Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia also suffered head injuries in the lathi charge. More than 50 people have been injured in the violence.
At the same time, due to tension, schools, colleges and internet remained closed in this area.
Now know- what is the reason for the uproar
What is the whole matter?
- Construction of Ethanol Plant: Dune Ethanol Private Limited, registered in Chandigarh, is setting up a 40 MW grain-based ethanol plant in Rathikheda. The company claims that this plant will support the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program of the Centre.
- Company’s Environment Clearance Pending: The company has not received the necessary environment clearance for the plant. Its application is pending since 2022. Farmers of the area are in protest as construction work is being carried out without environmental clearance.
- Factory wall broken in protest: On Wednesday afternoon, farmers held a big meeting in front of Tibbi SDM office. At around 4 pm, hundreds of farmers reached the factory site with tractors. The wall was broken and a clash with the police started.
There will be a meeting again for today’s strategy
Factory Hatao Sangharsh Samiti leader Ravjot Singh said – More than 70 people including women have been injured in the violent clash.
More than 100 farmers stayed at Gurudwara Tibbi at night. Farmers are also reaching Gurudwara as early as morning.
Today at 12 o’clock there will be a Gurdwara Singh meeting of farmers, in which further strategy will be decided.