Punjab CM warns of strict action against Gau Raksha activists

KHADKAAN : Batting for putting an end to undue harassment of the dairy farmers in the name of Gau Raksha, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that stern action would be taken against those who violate law on this pretext. Punjab Dairy farmers had lodged strong protest that certain miscreants operating under the garb of Gau Raksha organisations were harrassing genuine transporters carrying cattle and beating up innocent persons with the connivance of Punjab Police. Even the members of Gau Raksha organisations were deputed at Toll Plazas and they are plyaing the role of moral police.After a nation wide cry against beating of dalits on the pretex of saving cows, Prime Minister Narender Modi had taken hard stand and warned such elements. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in Hoshiarpur assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that dairy farming was an allied agriculture activity, which was supplementing the income of farmers in a big way. He said that this allied farming activity which involves cattle rearing and trading should not be discouraged at any cost. Mr. Badal said that all of us should exercise restraint and permit the trade of cattle with valid documentation. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that attack on RSS leader Brigadier (Retired) Rakesh Gagneja was not an ordinary law and order problem. He said that the state Police force was enquiring this attack and the forces behind this attack would be exposed soon. Mr. Badal said that it was a deep rooted conspiracy and as the probe was going on so it was not fair to comment on it.Answering another question, the Chief Minister said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would announce its candidates at an appropriate time. He said that too early and too late announcement of candidates was not beneficial during polls so the party would announce its candidate at proper time. The Chief Minister further said that the state government has taken several pro – people initiatives for ensuring welfare of people. Mr. Badal said that he personally reviews these schemes regularly for ensuring that maximum people were benefitted from it. However, he said that almost all the beneficiaries of these schemes were satisfied by the performance of state government.