Patiala: Protesting the Centre’s reported move to end Punjab’s permanent membership in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the Misl Satluj organisation staged a demonstration at the main gate of Punjabi University, Patiala, on Friday.Yadvinder Singh Yadu Alal, national president of the outfit’s youth wing, alleged that the Centre was planning to grant permanent membership to Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh by amending Section 79(2)(A) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. He said while Punjab and Haryana currently have permanent members for power and irrigation, respectively, a bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament to include the two states in the BBMB.A member of the socio-political body, Amarinder Singh, stated that despite bearing 40% of the expenses, Punjab’s status was being reduced by the inclusion of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan as new members.Another member Husandeep Singh said the incumbent Punjab govt under the AAP was limited to statements and was being a mute spectator. He said that last year, the incumbent govt passed resolutions in the Punjab assembly on May 5, relinquishing the state’s rights over river waters in line with international riparian laws.He added that the first resolution stated 4,000 cusecs of water would continue to be released to Haryana, but did not specify the duration for which this would continue.MSID:: 130329118 413 |
