Several farmer leaders and workers of farmer organisations were arrested in Punjab on Monday ahead of their scheduled five-day dharna at the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s Patiala residence — Moti Bagh.
The farmers are seeking loan waiver of all loans, minimum support price (MSP) according to Swaminathan Committee report, land rights to tenants among other demands.
The protestors are seeking a comprehensive debt waiver even though the state government had earlier announced a loan waiver for small and marginal farmers on June 19.
The waiver included loans up to Rs 2 lakh for marginal and small farmers owning land up to one hectare and not more than two-hectares, respectively.
More than hundred farmer leaders and workers of seven organizations were arrested in an early morning crackdown on Monday.
“Congress headed by Captain promised to waive away farm loans of all farmers, job to one member of a family,” a farmer organization said in a statement.
It stated that the Punjab government has taken a U-turn and none of the promise has been met.
Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) has condemned the police action and demanded immediate release of the arrested. The demand also includes extending the loan waiver to farmers owning land of up to 10 acres.