As Punjab’s farmers continued their protest for the sixth consecutive day, hopes for a resolution soared as farmer leaders engaged in the fourth round of discussions with the three Union Ministers and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday evening in Chandigarh. The talks, taking place amidst growing support from other farmer unions, particularly centered around the demand for enacting an Ordinance to legally guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
The meeting, scheduled to start at 5:30, commenced with about three-hour delay at around 8:15 pm. Prior to the meeting, the Ministers held discussions with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the Taj Hotel.
Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, along with Chief Minister Mann, are present in the meeting with 14 farmer leaders representing various unions.
The representatives, including Sarvan Singh Pandher from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Jagjit Singh Dallewal from BKU Ekta (Sidhupur), expressed optimism ahead of the dialogue, underscoring the importance of the Central Government's response to their demands.
Before delving into discussions, a moment of silence was observed to honour the memory of Gian Singh, a farmer from Gurdaspur, who succumbed to a heart attack amidst the ongoing protests at Shambhu border.
As the talks started, the primary focus revolved around the demand for legislation guaranteeing MSP, with farmer leaders insisting on concrete measures to address agricultural concerns. The Union Government proposed the formation of a time-bound committee to address the issue, which remains a contentious point in the negotiations.
The meeting comes a day after the Punjab farm union leaders had demanded that the Centre should bring an ordinance to provide minimum support price (MSP) guarantee to the farmers.
Before the meeting, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said: “We have sent them our demands and a detailed discussion has been held on every issue during the three rounds of talks (between government and farmers). They (central government) now need to take a decision. The ball is in their court and the whole country is looking towards them.”
Farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal also emphasized the need for the government to address their demands before the implementation of the electoral code of conduct. He urged the government to refrain from procrastination tactics and instead focus on resolving the issues at hand.
“We want to tell the government that it should avoid the policy of dilly-dallying…If the government thinks it will continue to hold meetings till the code of conduct is imposed, and then say it cannot do anything as the code is in force...farmers are not going to return,” said Dallewal.
“The Government should find a solution to our demands before the code of conduct comes into force,” he insisted.
And in case the central ministers fail to offer a satisfactory resolution on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) issue, farmers are prepared to march to Delhi.
The previous rounds of talks between farmers and central ministers were largely inconclusive, with the government failing to address key demands such as the guarantee of MSP and the repeal of the contentious agricultural laws. Farmer leaders expressed frustration over the government's lack of decisive action, highlighting the urgency of their demands.
As talks are underway between farmers and central ministers, all eyes are on the outcome of today's meeting. With tensions running high and expectations soaring, the need for a comprehensive resolution to the farmers' grievances has never been more pressing.
Meanwhile, the day witnessed widespread solidarity from farmer unions across Punjab and Haryana, with renewed vigour injected into the ‘Dilli Chalo’ movement that commenced on February 13. Protesters maintained their presence at the Punjab-Haryana border points, particularly at Shambhu and Khanauri, reaffirming their commitment to the cause.
The Punjab unit of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Sunday announced plans to picket the residences of BJP officials, MPs, and MLAs from February 20 to 22, irrespective of the meeting’s outcome. Additionally, BKU Ugrahan temporarily suspended ongoing dharnas, aiming to resume on February 20, while staging demonstrations outside the residences of prominent political figures.
The demand for MSP legislation echoed across various political spheres, with Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu pledging support to the farmers' cause. Farmer representatives reiterated the urgency of enacting an Ordinance to safeguard farmers' interests, emphasizing the government's responsibility in addressing the longstanding grievances of the agricultural community.
The ongoing dialogue marks the fourth round of discussions between farmer leaders and Union Ministers, following previous rounds on February 8, 12, and 15. With tensions running high and expectations mounting, Chief Minister Mann urged both parties to prioritize resolution over prolonged conflict, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.
As negotiations continue, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar expressed cautious optimism, urging protesters to avoid politicization of the issue while remaining hopeful for a breakthrough. With the Union Ministers approaching the talks with a spirit of reconciliation, there remains anticipation for tangible progress in addressing the farmers' concerns.
The agitation at the Punjab-Haryana border points has garnered significant attention, drawing support from various quarters across the country. As farmers persist in their demands for legislative guarantees of MSP and other agricultural reforms, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the ongoing negotiations and the potential implications for the future of Indian agriculture.
Internet Suspension Extended in Punjab Despite CM's Protest
Chandigarh: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday extended the temporary suspension of internet services to seven districts in Punjab until midnight of February 24, despite strong opposition from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the Centre’s unilateral decision.
Initially enforced from February 12 to 16 in anticipation of the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, the internet shutdown will now continue in specific areas of Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, and other districts. The order encompasses the jurisdiction of 20 police stations, affecting essential communication services for the residents.
Areas falling under various police stations including Shambhu, Julkan, Passian, Patran, and others in Patiala, Lalru in Mohali, Sangat in Bathinda, and several others are affected by the extension. The decision was made using special powers granted under the Telegraph Act of 1885, citing public safety and emergency concerns.
Punjab Chief Minister had vehemently opposed the internet shutdown during the previous meeting with the Union Ministers and farmer leaders on February 15 in Chandigarh. However, the MHA proceeded with its decision, ignoring the State Government's objections.
Simultaneously, the Haryana Government has also suspended mobile internet services and bulk SMS in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, and other districts, further exacerbating communication challenges for residents.
