Chandigarh, October 28: Responding to the closure controversy over Dhuri Sugar Mill, its management in a press statement here on Saturday alleged that anti-social influence and disruption led to the agonizing decision to close the mill.
The statement reads : In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the once-thriving Dhuri Sugar Mill, a cornerstone of the community, is now faced with the devastating reality of closure. This decision, while seemingly sudden, is the culmination of years of relentless struggle, both financially and socially, endured by the mill owners.
It further stated that the journey to this unfortunate juncture has been marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments. The mill's owners, once beacons of hope for the local farming community, now find themselves navigating a sea of challenges after years of silent suffering. Their constant appeals for support from both the current and previous state governments in Punjab have largely fallen on deaf ears, leaving them to bear the weight of their losses alone.
According to Sugar Mill management, The painful choice to shut down operations was not made in haste. It came after numerous attempts were made to seek support from the government to help the mill navigate the deteriorating law and order situation in and around the mill and the lack of adequate raw material. With no sign of support from the government, the owners, in a bid to save not only their livelihoods but also the livelihoods of countless farmers, ultimately had no choice but to make this agonizing decision.
As the mill's gates close, the owners can't help but reflect on the toll this ordeal has taken. It's not just a loss of financial capital; it's a loss of social standing, a tarnishing of the brand that was once a source of pride for the community. The pain runs deep, for the mill was not merely a business—it was a legacy, a symbol of hope and prosperity, said the statement.
In the face of adversity, the mill's owners raise their voices, not just for themselves, but for the countless farmers who will bear the brunt of this closure. They cry out for recognition, for acknowledgment of the battles they've fought, for the countless attempts to seek assistance and understanding from the powers that be.
According to Dhuri Sugar Mill management, they made numerous requests but the Chief Minister never granted them an audience to discuss the challenges faced by the mill. The management further submits that the main reason behind the mill's closure is the disruptive activities and unlawful conduct of the Bugra gang, who are rumoured to have been supported from the Khalistan movement operatives active in the state of Punjab. Management believes that individuals causing disruptions around the mill are not just genuine farmers, but rather individuals with ulterior motives operating under the guise of just being farmers. Their intent has been to impede the smooth operations of the sugar mill, leading to harassment of their employees and farmers which come in support of the Mill & its management further reveals that several of their employees have tendered their resignation because of the constant harassment of these anti-social elements. Mill owners state that they apprised both the current and previous governments in Punjab of their activities, seeking support, but regrettably, instead of assistance, they encountered harassment. This led the company to approach the honorable Court’s relief.
Dhuri Sugar Mill management issued a statement after clarifying its stand on the closure controversy which state that, “Dhuri Sugar Mill is a privately-owned entity, and no third party has the authority to dictate its operations. The mill management is compelled to cease operations due to the persistent disturbances caused by these anti-social elements, which have led to law and order concerns in and around the mill premises. Additionally, the inadequate supply of raw materials has contributed significantly to this decision.”
The sugar mill management further clarified that the notice prominently states that any crop sown prior to its issuance will be procured by the company. Therefore, there is no risk of revenue loss for farmers as has been reported by a few media outlets. The mill remains steadfast in its commitment to stand by the farming community.
It its statement the sugar mill management also expressed that the closure of the mill impacts both the management and the farming community. The statement read that, “We reiterate our willingness to engage in constructive discussions with the government. We implore them to acknowledge the challenges faced by the industry and address the rising activities of these disruptive elements. We hope this statement provides a more comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the closure of Dhuri Sugar Mill. Our intent is to ensure transparency and counter the targeted propaganda aimed at tarnishing the mill's reputation and its owners.”
In the end, the closure of Dhuri Sugar Mill is not just a business decision; it is a profound loss for an entire community. It is a stark reminder that when industry falters, it is the people who bear the weight of the consequences.
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