Chandigarh

BKU to launch stir in Delhi from March 17

PNS

Farmers' outfit Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) will launch an indefinite demonstration in the national Capital from March 17 next year over various demands including waiving off crop loans and implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.

"On March 17, no vehicle will be allowed to enter New Delhi from outside. Also an indefinite demonstration will be held at Jantar Mantar," BKU National Coordinator Ajmer Singh lakhowal said here on Monday.

Besides this, during the first weeks of February and March, 'Kisan Maha Panchayats' will be staged in Chandigarh, Allahabad, Roorkee, Karnataka to mobilise farmers for the stir, he said.

The prime demands include implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations and waiving off crop loans to curb farmer suicides, lakhowal said.

Other demands include a separate budget for agriculture on the pattern of railways and reservation for their children in educational institutions, he said. During lok Sabha elections last year, BJP had assured farmers of implementing the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission without delay. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other concerned authorities have ignored it, the BKU National Coordinator said.