New Delhi, Nov 9 : Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra on Monday alleged a conspiracy behind a sudden spike in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab on Diwali, claiming that crop residue was deliberately set on fire to malign the festival, farmers and the national capital.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence, Mishra said satellite data showed around 100 to 125 stubble-burning incidents in Punjab on November 5, 6 and 7, but the number suddenly surged to nearly 1,200 on the evening of November 8, coinciding with Diwali.
“This is a conspiracy against farmers, a conspiracy against Diwali, a conspiracy against Delhi and a conspiracy against Punjab,” he alleged.
The minister said the sharp rise in incidents within a few days raised serious questions and expressed apprehension that miscreants might have deliberately set agricultural fields on fire to malign farmers and the festival.
He urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ensure immediate registration of FIRs in all areas where fields were allegedly set ablaze on Diwali night and order a detailed investigation to identify those responsible.
Mishra appreciated the efforts of Punjab farmers to prevent stubble burning, saying they were making every possible effort to avoid the practice.
“While there may have been some instances of fire due to unavoidable circumstances, the sudden appearance of such a large number of incidents on Diwali raises serious questions,” he said.
Referring to air quality readings in Punjab, Mishra claimed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Malout stood at 1,238, Abohar at 1,307 and Sangrur at 1,651 on the morning of November 9.
He said farmers and ordinary residents of Punjab were also struggling with deteriorating air quality and questioned who would be held responsible for the pollution levels in Sangrur and Bathinda.
The minister also accused Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, of running a campaign against Diwali, firecrackers and Sanatan traditions.
He alleged that remarks against the festival and campaigns against Hindu traditions had been witnessed even before Diwali.
Mishra maintained that the timing of the reported surge in stubble-burning incidents, coupled with the alleged campaign against the festival, warranted a thorough investigation.
The allegations come amid continuing concerns over deteriorating air quality in Delhi and neighbouring states during the post-Diwali period.
