Punjab: Protesting farmers refuse to budge; road and rail blockade in Jalandhar continues

PTC Web Desk:  Farmers in Punjab's Jalandhar continued their protests against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the second consecutive day on Thursday, demanding an increase in the SAP (state-assured price) for sugarcane crops. They have now also resorted to rail blockade. Heavy police force has also been deployed. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised the farmer unions, accusing them of causing inconvenience by blocking roads for their own interests.

CM Bhagwant Mann urged the farmer unions to cease disrupting the common man's routine by obstructing roads in Punjab. He emphasised that such actions could turn public sentiment against them. The Chief Minister highlighted that while his office, residence, Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Civil Secretariat, and the Agriculture Minister's office are open for dialogue, causing disruption for personal gain is regrettable.

However, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's remarks drew sharp criticism from political parties and farmer organisations. Darshan Pal, coordinator of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), reminded AAP of its origins linked with protests and claimed the current demonstrations were out of necessity due to unresolved issues. The farmer leader said if the government addressed their demands as promised before assuming power, protests wouldn't be necessary.

Under the collective banner of the SKM, several farmers from different regions of Punjab, primarily led by the Bharati Kisan Union (Doaba), have been protesting since November 20, blocking a section of the national highway near Dhanowali village in Jalandhar. This disruption has caused diversions for vehicular traffic. The protesting farmers are demanding an increase in the procurement price for sugarcane crops from Rs 380 to Rs 450 per quintal.

Manjit Rai, a leader of the BKU (Doaba), expressed dissatisfaction with the government's repeated disregard for their demand to raise the assured price for sugarcane. He affirmed their determination to continue the protest until their demands are met, highlighting the pending arrears from previous years that sugarcane mills have yet to pay.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh also lashed out at the AAP government, labeling its stance as "anti-farmer and anti-Punjab". He condemned the Chief Minister's choice of words towards the farmers, describing the AAP's policies as detrimental to the state and its people.