Bhakiyu leader Rakesh Tikait takes stand at Shahbad protest, demands release of Gurnam Singh Chadhuni

Kurukshetra, June 7: In response to the arrest of Gurnam Singh Charuni and several other union leaders for blocking NH44, BKU (Charuni) activists have initiated a sit-in protest on Ladwa Road in Shahabad. Rakesh Tikait, prominent leader of the Bhakiyu movement, arrived in Shahbad amidst the ongoing farmers' dharna.

Expressing his strong stance, Tikait warned that if the administration fails to release Bhakiyu leader Gurnam Singh Chadhuni, the National Highway will once again be blocked. He emphasized that the fight for Minimum Support Price (MSP) has just begun and will persist until the demands are met. Tikait condemned the recent lathi charge on farmers in Shahbad, calling it an alarming incident that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

Asserting the primary demand of the farmers, Tikait emphasized the release of Gurnam Singh Chadhuni and other leaders as a prerequisite to continue the battle for MSP. He hailed Chadhuni as a revolutionary and resilient leader, whose unwavering determination has been instrumental in the farmers' movement. Tikait affirmed that Chadhuni will not back down, and the struggle will persist relentlessly.

In a significant development, Ramkaran Kala, the JJP MLA and Chairman of Sugarfed, expressed his strong dissent against the lathi charge on farmers demanding the procurement of sunflower at MSP in Kurukshetra. In protest against the incident, Kala announced his resignation from the post of chairman, highlighting the discontent among various sections of society regarding the treatment of farmers.

The protests in Shahbad and surrounding areas have garnered widespread attention and support, as the farmers' demand for fair prices and their steadfast determination continue to resonate across the country.

Notably, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait is expected to join the agitation in support of the farmers. During an exclusive conversation with PTC News, Tikait expressed his stance on farmers' rights and questioned why farmers should suffer a loss of Rs 600 when others don't bear even a Rs 2000 deduction from their salary.

He emphasised the need for outlining the next steps after meeting with the farmers, ensuring the movement continues. Tikait also discussed plans to meet the arrested farmers.

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Meanwhile, on Tuesday, police resorted to cane charging and water cannon usage to disperse farmers who had blocked the Delhi-Chandigarh NH near Shahabad. The farmers claimed that the government was not purchasing sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP), forcing them to sell their produce to private buyers at a significantly lower rate of around Rs 4,000 per quintal instead of the MSP of Rs 6,400.

The protesting farmers breached police barricades, blocked the NH, and even brought vehicles loaded with sunflower seeds to the protest site. The situation drew the attention of IG Ambala Range, Sibash Kabiraj, who arrived in Shahabad to assess the scenario. Following his intervention, traffic was eventually restored on NH44 after officials cleared the road as per Kabiraj's instructions. Numerous farmers were detained during the police action.

The ongoing protests reflect the farmers' dissatisfaction with the government's stance on MSP and procurement policies, with tensions mounting and demands for fair treatment gaining momentum.

Protesters led by Charuni take bold action

In a display of determination, the protesters stormed the barricades, defying obstacles and blocking the highway. Their tractor-trailers, loaded with sunflower seed produce, served as a powerful symbol of their resistance. Frustrated by the absence of government support, the farmers voiced their grievances, highlighting the compulsion to sell their yield to private buyers at a significantly lower rate of Rs 4,000 per quintal, while the minimum support price (MSP) stood at Rs 6,400.

As a result of the blockade, district police had to redirect traffic through alternative routes, causing inconvenience to commuters. In Kurukshetra and Shahabad, long traffic jams tested the patience of travelers who were stuck for hours. To alleviate the situation, Superintendent of Police (SP) Surinder Bhoria deployed additional personnel to aid commuters in navigating the diverted routes.

Outrage grows as calls for action amplify

Amidst widespread criticism of the police's handling of the situation, Sanju Gundiana, a prominent leader of BKU (Charuni), condemned the use of force against the peaceful protesters. He asserted that the government's attempts to suppress the demonstrations would not succeed, as the call for intensified protests and the blocking of highways across the state gained momentum.

The protesters, demanding the immediate release of detained farmer leaders, including Charuni, expanded their agitation by blocking roads in various districts such as Kurukshetra, Karnal, and Kaithal. With their determination unshaken, they issued a stern warning of escalating their agitation to put more pressure on the authorities.

Notable farmer leader Rakesh Tikait announced his arrival in Kurukshetra on Wednesday, calling upon farmers to join him in large numbers. With his presence expected to further galvanise the movement, the protesters eagerly awaited his arrival and anticipated increased participation in the city.

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