Centre asking questions over foreign donations: Farmer union

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), one of Punjab’s largest farmer organisations protesting against recent farm laws, on Sunday said it has been asked by a central ncy to submit its registration details which allow it to receive foreign funds.

BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) president Joginder Ugrahan and its general secretary Sukhdev Singh revealed about Union government’s demand alleging that “Centre is using all tactics as ir sole purpose is to defeat ongoing agitation”.

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) stipulates mandatory registration of any outfit receiving foreign fund.

“A department under centre has sent an email which we received through our bank's branch in Punjab. In e-mail, it was stated that we should give registration details in respect of se donations from abro orwise y will be sent back,” Sukhdev Singh said.

“ bank manr showed me email which has been sent by Forex Department,” he said.

Questioning timing of Centre's demand, Singh said, “It is quite clear that agitation against farm laws is against Centre and y will try to create all hurdles y can in that. y are using all tactics as ir sole purpose is to defeat agitation”.

Asked how much foreign fund y have received recently, Singh said, “We are yet to calculate exact amount.” He said his outfit will be consulting a chartered accountant or an vocate to submit ir reply.

“ IT Department first conducted raids on 'Arhtiyas' (commission nts) because y are supporting farmers' agitation. w, as our outfit is a big one, Centre is targeting us,” said Ugrahan.

“y are asking details about NRI funds. NRIs from Punjab help us with donations from ir hard-earned money. y are supporting our agitation, what is problem in that? Back home too, people support us,” BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) chief asserted. “But Centre is targeting us because ir sole purpose is to defeat stir,” he alleged. 

(PTI im)