Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Farmers Fail to Reach Agreement; Indefinite Protest in Chandigarh Set for March 5
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Synopsis
Following inconclusive talks between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and farmer unions, protests are set to continue in Chandigarh on March 5. Farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the Chief Minister's handling of demands, including calls for a farm loan waiver and MSP guarantees.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's meeting with farmers ended without resolution.
- Farmers plan to protest indefinitely in Chandigarh starting March 5.
- Key demands include a waiver of farm loans and MSP guarantees.
- Farmers accused the CM of intimidation and using delaying tactics.
- Agreement reached on advancing paddy procurement to June 1.
Chandigarh, March 3 (NationPress) Following a meeting that ended without resolution between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the protesting farmer unions under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the farmers have confirmed their decision to proceed with the indefinite protest in Chandigarh starting on March 5, which includes a proposal to wave off farm loans.
The discussions did not produce any positive outcome, causing increased tensions as farmers accused Chief Minister Mann of leaving the meeting prematurely and allegedly trying to intimidate them.
Post-meeting, SKM leaders like Joginder Singh Ugrahan and Balbir Singh Rajewal expressed their disappointment.
They highlighted that this marked the first instance where a Chief Minister had reportedly attempted to threaten farmers during negotiations.
"He (CM Mann) didn’t hear our entire list of demands and left," Joginder Singh Ugrahan, President of BKU Ekta Ugrahan, told reporters.
Another leader, Balbir Singh Rajewal, noted that the farmers only presented eight out of their eighteen demands before the Chief Minister exited the meeting, which lasted under two hours.
Chief Minister Mann urged farmers to avoid road blockades and protests, citing potential harm to the state's economy.
Farmer leaders mentioned that CM Mann did agree to one demand, which was to advance the procurement of paddy to June 1.
However, on other significant matters, he allegedly refrained from making any commitments.
They stated that Chief Minister Mann appeared visibly frustrated when the farmer leaders persisted with their demands and bluntly told them, "Do whatever you want on March 5."
The farmer leaders accused CM Mann of using delaying tactics and failing to effectively address their issues.
They claimed that instead of proposing solutions, the state government was attempting to stifle their movement.
The SKM has an 18-point memorandum that includes demands for minimum support price (MSP) guarantees, a scheme to wave off farm loans, and protection of their interests in the new agriculture policy under development.
Farmers from all over Punjab are expected to join the gathering on March 5.
