New Delhi, July 28: A delegation of Congress MPs submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Tuesday. They urged the commission to intervene in the case of police excesses against sanitation workers from the Scheduled Caste community during a protest in Barnala, Punjab.
The memorandum sent to NCSC Chairman Kishore Makwana stated that police used excessive force, including baton charges, against sanitation workers who were peacefully protesting for their legitimate rights and demands.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, President of the Punjab Congress, held Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responsible for the brutality against the sanitation workers, as he oversees the Home Department, which includes the police.
The Congress MPs noted that instead of addressing the grievances of the protesting workers, the district administration and police resorted to violence, resulting in injuries to several sanitation workers. They demanded a fair investigation into the incident and appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Describing the incident as a serious concern, the MPs highlighted that it raises questions about the constitutional rights, dignity, and safety of members of the Scheduled Caste community.
The delegation requested the NCSC to investigate the matter under its constitutional jurisdiction, seek reports from the Punjab government and Barnala district administration, ensure a fair inquiry, and recommend measures to protect the rights of the affected workers.
The memorandum also urged the commission to hold accountable those responsible under the law and to intervene in the matter promptly.
The Congress delegation expressed hope that the commission would consider the case appropriately and take necessary actions to safeguard the rights of the Scheduled Caste community.
Later, speaking to the media, Warring stated that just as Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal is held accountable for police firing on peaceful protesters in Bargari, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as Home Minister, is responsible for the brutality against sanitation workers.
He announced that the Punjab Congress would approach the High Court to demand action against the guilty police officers and seek justice for the sanitation workers.
Leave a Comment