BKS condemns bar association for not defending farmers in stubble-burning cases

The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has strongly condemned the decision of the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association not to represent farmers in cases filed against them for burning stubble. Mohini Mohan Mishra, the All India General Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, called the decision biased, one-sided, and condemnable. He stated that this decision goes against the fundamental principles of justice and humanity.

According to a press release from the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Mishra explained that in India’s constitutional justice system, even terrorists have the right to justice, and lawyers are appointed for their cases. However, depriving farmers of their right to justice is a violation of their basic rights. He described the Bar Association’s decision as insensitive and inhuman.

Mishra also stated that those who oppose farmers should stop eating the food grown by them. He believes this decision is an attempt to harass farmers and force them into protests, which could harm the country's food production and stability.

Raghavendra Singh Patel, the All India Prachar Pramukh of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, explained that the largest source of pollution in the country comes from industrial sources, accounting for about 51 percent of total pollution. Vehicles contribute 27 percent, stubble burning accounts for 17 percent, and other sources contribute 5 percent. Patel also referred to a report from the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), which states that thermal power plants pollute 16 times more than stubble burning. Thermal plants in the Delhi-NCR region release 281 kilotons of sulfur dioxide compared to 17.8 kilotons from burning 89 lakh tons of stubble. India is currently the world's largest emitter of sulfur dioxide, contributing over 20 percent of global emissions, mainly due to the country’s coal-based energy sector.

Patel added that while stubble burning increases pollution seasonally, thermal power plants are a constant source of pollution throughout the year. Despite this, thermal power plants are given relaxation from regulations, while heavy fines are imposed on farmers for burning stubble.

The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh also pointed out that for the past 50 years, agricultural universities and departments have taught farmers that burning crop residue is necessary to prevent pests and weeds from harming the next crop. If this practice is to change, it is the responsibility of the government and research institutes to train farmers, provide resources, and supply machines for disposing of stubble. It is completely unfair to blame farmers for this practice.