Punjab farmers will hold a march in Chandigarh today to press for their pending demands. Led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the farmers are preparing for an indefinite dharna (sit-in) in the capital to put pressure on the government.
Chandigarh: Punjab farmers will hold a march in Chandigarh today to press for their pending demands. Led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the farmers are preparing for an indefinite dharna in the capital to put pressure on the government. Ahead of the protest, security agencies have heightened alert, sealing all entry points to Chandigarh and deploying heavy police presence.
Reasons for the Protest
Key demands include land distribution to landless laborers, loan waivers, and the effective implementation of a new agricultural policy. Farmer organizations allege that despite repeated assurances, the government has failed to take concrete steps. A recent meeting between the farmers and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann proved unsuccessful, further fueling farmer discontent.
Stringent Police Measures
* The Chandigarh administration has implemented extensive security measures to prevent protesters from entering the city.
* All borders have been sealed.
* Additional police have been deployed at key entry points.
* Vehicles entering Chandigarh are being thoroughly checked.
* Riot control forces are on standby to handle any untoward incidents.
* Farmers have declared that if they are prevented from entering Chandigarh, they will begin an indefinite dharna at the point of obstruction.
Appeal Against Road and Rail Blockades
Jagjinder Singh Ugrahan, president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), has appealed to the farmers to refrain from blocking roads and railways to avoid inconvenience to the general public. He urged the farmers to hold a peaceful dharna and follow democratic methods to exert pressure on the administration. However, farmer organizations have made it clear that they are not willing to back down this time.
CM Bhagwant Mann's Response
Responding to the farmers' movement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the path of dialogue is always open, but the public should not face inconvenience in the name of protest. He appealed to the farmers to find a solution through discussions and avoid actions like road blockades. However, farmer leaders have asserted that they will not retreat until concrete steps are taken.
