Gohana Sugar Mill Agitation

10th December, 2002 was yet another instance of Haryana Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala's high handedness, when youth, women and villagers protesting against a 'Recruitment Scandal' and 'procurement problems' in Cooperative Sugar Mill, Gohana, Distt. Sonepat, Haryana were fired upon and lathi-charged by the police. 19 persons including women received gun shot injuries and two-dozen received fractures. Youth Congress and protesting villagers staged a 'Dharna' outside the Sugar Mill Gate on 11th December morning. Once again, Chief Minister ordered merciless lathi charge causing severe injuries to a dozen people including Youth Congress activists. As President Mr. Randeep Singh Surjewala reached the venue on the same day, everyone was temporarily released but the very next day, cases of attempt to murder and other serious offences were registered against 36 persons including Youth Congress activists.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chautala ordered closure of the Sugar Mill threatening to close it for good so as to divide the farming community. We mobilized extensive public opinion against the atrocities, recruitment scandal and evil design of government to close the mill. A massive protest rally of youth and farmers was held in Gohana Grain Market on 19th December 2002. Large number of youth, women and farmers participated enthusiastically. Rally was attended by Sh. Anil Shastri, Secretary, AICC; IYC President Sh. Randeep Singh Surjewala. We publicly vowed to intensify the struggle and even approach the High Court for staying the unlawful orders.

Mr. Randeep Singh Surjewala was pleased to inform INC President Smt. Sonia Gandhi that Youth Congress has succeeded in getting the Mill restarted. Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala climbed down. Sugar Mill has been restarted on 21st December 2002. Government has ordered construction of a cemented yard for unloading the crop, opening of more purchase centers, construction of a separate road for parking of tractor-trolleys and an assurance to sympathetically consider the claim of youth for recruitment.

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