Stop defaming minorities over Covid: Jagtar Singh Hissowal

Jagtar Singh Hissowal, MLA from the Raikot Assembly constituency, has slammed those who are blaming the minorities for Covid-19 spread in the country. He says: “The BJP-led Central Government earlier defamed NRIs and then Tablighi Jamaat people for allegedly spreading the disease. Now, the Sikh devotees, who came back from Nanded, are being targeted and defamed. The governments should stop defaming the devotees.”

“It was the responsibility of the governments to take measures and conduct timely tests of the devotees, but they failed to do so. Even the Punjab Government has failed to provide proper care to the Sikh devotees who returned from Maharashtra. The governments should ensure proper treatment of infected persons.”

Need for transparency in ration distribution

Amid the Covid crisis, the MLA wants that ration should be distributed among the needy in a transparent manner. He says: “Many needy persons in Pakhowal and Sudhar blocks have been complaining that they are not getting ration. The government should pay attention and take measures at the earliest in this regard. Even I have not been informed that how much ration has been sent by the government for the constituency.”

Jagtar says: “I don’t pull any political stunt. I take help of the administration to sort out issues. However, I want there should be no political interference in various works, including ration distribution.”

Action against hoarders

There are around 1.5 lakh voters in the constituency. Some organisations have also come forward to provide food to the needy people. “There is a lot of indirect interference in various works while some junior officers often ignore our voice. The government should act against those involved in hoarding of essential commodities and sale of products at exorbitant rates. I have brought the matter to the notice of a senior officer,” he said.

Resolve issues related to farmers

“The government should ensure that the farmers don’t face any problem at the mandis. They are already passing through tough times. The government must hear their voice so that their issues can be resolved at the earliest.”

HARSHRAJ SINGH