Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh has assured free legal aid to all anarchists masquerading as farmers, currently under arrest or detention by the Delhi Police. Close to 89 persons, hailing from UP, Haryana and Punjab have been arrested by Delhi Police so far, even as 38 FIRs in connection with the Republic Day violence have been registered in the national capital. Farmers’ unions and activist groups have been claiming that many people who participated in the violent tractor parade on Republic Day are now ‘missing’, alleging that they are under the ‘illegal detention’ of Delhi Police.
If such allegations were not already ludicrous enough, Captain Amarinder Singh is now all set to spill taxpayer money on anarchical elements currently ‘missing’ or under arrest in Delhi. On Monday, he said that the Punjab government has arranged a team of 70 lawyers in Delhi to assist those farmers who have been booked by Delhi Police. Moreover, Singh also assured that he will take up the matter of missing farmers with the Ministry of Home Affairs soon. Punjab government has also set up a helpline number (112) for people to report any cases of missing individuals.
Punjab Government has already arranged a team of 70 lawyers in Delhi to ensure quick legal recourse to farmers booked by the Delhi police. I will personally take up the issue of missing farmers with MHA & ensure these persons reach home safely. For assistance call 112.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 1, 2021
Ironically, while the Punjab government, led by Captain Amarinder Singh is claiming that legal aid will be provided to the protesting farmers “free of cost”, it is pertinent to mention that the battery of 70 lawyers appointed by it in Delhi would not operate without being paid. Effectively, the cost of hiring them solely to provide legal counsel to the protesting farmers will be borne by the government of Punjab. This means that honest taxpayers’ money will be used by Singh for helping those who ran a riot on the streets of the national capital, the last week.
“Our hearts are with those fighting for their rights at the Delhi borders…We will do everything possible to locate those who are missing. We are trying to get details and will ensure that they return to their homes,” Captain Amarinder Singh was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the fact that Congress’ Punjab unit is undergoing tremendous friction was proven by the comments of Rajya Sabha MP Partap Singh Bajwa, who slammed Captain Amarinder Singh for planning to hold an all-party meeting chaired by himself in Chandigarh. “What is the idea behind the meeting in Chandigarh when all the action is happening in Delhi? The CM should hold the meeting in Delhi. I urge him to hold it in Delhi,” he said.