Won’t register any FIR against farmers: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Friday that his state government will refrain from registering any FIRs against farmers. Speaking to farmers gathered at a Kisan Mela at the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, Mann highlighted that the paddy harvesting season was on the horizon. He warned that farmers would once again face accusations of "spreading air pollution" due to stubble burning, from New Delhi to Lahore.

Mann had previously communicated with the Central government, expressing his belief that the solution to stubble burning lay in providing cash incentives to farmers, possibly around Rs 1,500 per acre. He emphasized that FIRs or satellite surveillance were ineffective measures. Mann stated, "We have no such intention to register FIRs against farmers, so please manage your stubble accordingly so that we do not reach such a situation." He urged farmers not to burn stubble during the upcoming paddy season.