Punjab Farmers Mobilizing Towards Chandigarh in Protest

Chandigarh, March 5 (NationPress) In a protest reminiscent of the Delhi demonstrations, farmers predominantly from Punjab are en route to Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, to commence an indefinite agitation concerning their longstanding demands, as several farming unions unite under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).

To ensure safety, the Chandigarh Police have fortified all access points to the city with extensive security measures and have advised commuters to steer clear of these routes.

Joginder Singh Ughrahan, President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ughrahan), urged farmers to refrain from obstructing roads, highways, and railway lines to minimize public disruption.

He encouraged the farmers to conduct sit-in protests at the locations where security forces prevent their progression.

Moreover, he called upon all farmer unions to make their presence felt in Chandigarh by participating in the Pakka Morcha, despite the administration not yet designating a protest site.

According to official sources, the farmers are expected to be halted at the city’s entry points.

The SKM has accused the Punjab government of stifling their right to protest.

In addition to pushing for the implementation of an agriculture policy, the SKM's demands encompass the distribution of land to landless farmers and laborers, as well as the cancellation of debts for farmers and laborers.

Following unsuccessful discussions on Monday between the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and the SKM, raids have been executed at the homes of farmer leaders, including Ughrahan.

The talks regarding farmers' issues deteriorated midway, with farmer leaders alleging that a visibly upset Chief Minister Mann abruptly exited the meeting without cause. Post-meeting, SKM leaders declared their intent to proceed with a significant sit-in protest in Chandigarh.

Ughrahan mentioned that discussions with the Chief Minister had been progressing well.

He stated, "After deliberating on eight to nine of our eighteen demands, CM Mann claimed he needed to leave due to an eye infection."

He further explained, "The CM then inquired about our plans for the March 5 protest, to which we replied that discussions were still ongoing, and we would decide on our protest strategy afterward." However, he noted that the CM became frustrated and departed, suggesting that they should proceed with their protest.

Later, Chief Minister Mann asserted that his doors are "always open for discussions with farmers, but public inconvenience and harassment in the name of protest should be avoided."

While addressing farmers at a meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to resolving issues affecting various societal sectors through dialogue, ensuring that disruptions to the public via blockades are prevented.

On Tuesday, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring criticized Chief Minister Mann for "neglecting" farmers, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) called for the release of farmer leaders.

Warring accused the Chief Minister of arrogance and a dismissive attitude towards the SKM.

He remarked that instead of engaging in meaningful discussions to address farmers' concerns, the government has opted to conduct raids on the residences of farming leaders.

Expressing dismay at the treatment of SKM leaders, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia stated: "Mr. Bhagwant Mann threatened the kisan leaders with severe repercussions when reminded of his pre-election promises to farmers in 2022."

Majithia reminded Chief Minister Mann of the commitments made to farmers, stating: "Mann assured farmers and agricultural workers that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would revise agricultural policies to prevent farm suicides in the state."

The Chief Minister also promised farmers that their income would be doubled and that his administration would implement the M.S. Swaminathan Report, irrespective of federal actions.

Farmers were guaranteed that all crops would be procured by the state at minimum support price (MSP), he added.