North News
Chandigarh, September 3
Hundreds of farmers from the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union (PKMU) staged a dharna at the Sector 34 Carnival Ground in Chandigarh, demanding the implementation of a comprehensive agriculture policy. The farmers accused the Punjab government of failing to fulfill their demands, stating that neither the current AAP-led state government nor the previous Akali and Congress governments had taken concrete steps to address their concerns and implement an agriculture policy that would benefit farmers. Farmers warned that if the government fails to implement the agriculture policy, they will continue to stage their dharna in Chandigarh.
The protesters also criticized the Central government, accusing it of offering only assurances without taking any substantial action to support farmers and laborers. The farmers, who are protesting against the non-fulfillment of their demands, submitted a memorandum to the Punjab government yesterday. Their demands include the creation of a comprehensive agriculture policy, stronger measures to tackle the drug crisis in the state, allocation of land to landless laborers and farmers, environmental conservation, and the promotion of chemical-free farming practices.
Yesterday, the farmers carried out a protest march in Chandigarh and reached Matka Chowk. In response, Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, acting on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, met with the protesting farmers at Matka Chowk. The Minister received their memorandum and reassured them that their welfare is a top priority for the Punjab government.
Khudian emphasized the Punjab Government’s commitment to its farmers, assuring that their demands would be thoroughly discussed with the Chief Minister and handled with genuine concern. He invited the farmers for a dialogue with the state government, highlighting the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led administration’s dedication to engaging with farmers, listening to their issues, and resolving their concerns effectively.
With inputs from Damini Sharma, Vaibhav Sharma
