Farmers gather at Kisan Bhawan to march towards Punjab CM’s residence; heavy police force deployed

PTC Web Desk: In protest against the improper procurement process of paddy in Punjab, farmers have decided to march towards the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh. A large number of farmers gathered at the Kisan Bhawan in Sector-35. However, the police sealed the gates of Kisan Bhawan and deployed a significant force in the area.

Some farmers tried to breach the barricades and move forward. The protesting farmers said since Chandigarh was the capital of Punjab, they had the right to stage protests there. Meanwhile, the police have initiated efforts to facilitate dialogue between the government and the farmers.

A few days earlier, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the Arhtiya Association had held a meeting in Chandigarh, during which they devised a strategy for their protest. It was announced that if paddy procurement in the mandis (markets) did not commence, they would march towards the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh. In line with this decision, farmers began their march on Friday. However, they were stopped at various points by the Punjab Police. The Chandigarh Police also detained some farmer leaders, which further intensified the farmers' anger. They stated that their intention was not to lay siege to the CM’s residence, but they were left with no choice due to the issues they face in the mandis, where harvested crops are piling up.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government had made attempts from early morning to avert the farmers' protest. It had extended an invitation for a meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, scheduled for 5 pm Saturday, as the Chief Minister is currently in Delhi. He is overseeing the departure of teachers from Punjab for a training programme in Finland. However, the farmers remain firm in their demands.