SYL canal dispute: Chandigarh Police detains BJP leaders and workers protesting at Punjab CM's residence over SYL issue
SYL issue: Chandigarh police detained Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers who were protesting outside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence concerning the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute.
The BJP organised the protest against the Punjab government's perceived inaction in the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Punjab BJP state president Sunil Jhakar had earlier announced their intention to "gherao" (encircle) the Chief Minister at his residence.
Sunil Jakhar, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Punjab unit, stated, "I request the people of India to stay aware. They (AAP) will try to mislead people with deception, they will try to divert the issue, but we will not let water from Punjab go anywhere. We will 'gherao' CM Bhagwant Mann's residence. BJP Punjab unit will not let them manipulate the objectives of Punjab for their political gains."
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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had previously emphasized that Punjab must adjust its stance in line with the directives of the Supreme Court regarding the SYL canal dispute.
During a recent hearing of the SYL canal dispute, the Supreme Court criticized the Punjab government for its lack of progress in the canal's construction and stressed the need for Punjab's cooperation in the process. The court directed the central government to survey the allocated land in Punjab and explore mediation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in January 2024.
This dispute arises from the 1981 water-sharing agreement, which was intended to ensure fair water allocation following Haryana's separation from Punjab in 1966. The agreement required the construction of the SYL canal by both states within their respective territories. While Haryana completed its portion of the canal, Punjab halted construction after the initial phase, leading to legal conflicts.
In 2004, the Punjab government unilaterally canceled the SYL agreement and similar pacts. However, in 2016, the Supreme Court invalidated this law. Subsequently, Punjab returned the acquired land, originally designated for the canal, to the landowners.
- ANI
