GS4 · UPSC Mains
Farmer unions have called for mass protest against the private sugar factories for pending arrear that are due for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, large number of farmers turned up at several places and the protests turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning, and clashes with police, who were not able to control the violent protesters at some places. The resort to lathi charge only aggravated the agitated protestors. At one of the protest sites, police resorted to firing and four farmers were killed. This further fuelled the protests as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state government gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. The protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is a danger that the situation might get out of control anytime. There is huge pressure on the state government to diffuse the situation. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place: a) You are to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing? b) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? c) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minal Negi | AIR 66 · 2025 | Forumias | p.6 |
| Snehith Chakka | — · 2024 | Forumias | p.36 |
| Shivendra Pandey | — | Forumias | p.34 |