MSP on sunflower: Farmers protesting in Haryanas Kurukshetra block National Highway to Delhi

Haryana farmers' protest: Haryana farmers' protest: Farmers gathered in Haryana's Kurukshetra demanding MSP for sunflower crops have blocked the National Highway 44 near Pipli on Monday.

Farmers had threatened to stage a protest and take to the streets if sunflower procurement was not guaranteed at MSP.

Farmer representatives from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and other nearby states gathered at Kurukshetra's Pipli grain market for the 'MSP Dilao, Kisan Bachao maha panchayat to stress their demand for MSP for sunflower.

The maha panchayat was attended by wrestler Bajrang Punia and farmer leader Rakesh Tikait.

Haryana farmers' protest | Rakesh Tikait in Kurukshetra

Tikait stated that the government should release the farmer leaders who were arrested for blocking the national highway and ensure procurement at MSP or face nationwide protests.

Suresh Koth, a farmer leader, stated that the administration had requested an hour for discussion. He added that if their requests were not met, the farmers would announce their next move.

Haryana farmers' protest | Arrest of farm leaders

Earlier, protesting sunflower farmers in Haryana were lathi-charged and forcibly evicted for blocking National Highway-44. BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh, spokesperson Rakesh Bains and seven other top leaders and activists were arrested on June 6. 

Farm leaders had also demanded the release of their nine leaders who were sent to custody for 14 days for blocking the national highway. They had threatened a massive rally would be held on June 12.

Along with rioting-related charges, they also have cases filed against them for unlawful assembly, use of criminal force to deter public servants from discharging duty and attempt to murder.

Haryana farmers' protest | Section 144 imposed in Pipli

In anticipation of a stronger protest, the Haryana Government has imposed Section 144 in Pipli. Section 144 prohibits public gatherings in a given jurisdiction.

According to the government, farmers' Mahapanchayat may disrupt the law and order situation and have urged farmers to not join.

Haryana farmers' protest | What are the demands?

The farmers have been pressing the state government to buy their sunflower crop at the MSP of Rs. 6,400 per quintal set by the Central government for the crop's procurement in 2022–2023.

Extending support for protesting farmers, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Monday asked, "Is it a crime to ask for MSP now? Is it a crime to raise the voice of the farmer? Is democratic protest a crime?"

"If this is a crime, then every farmer will commit this crime again and again. Khattar-Dushyant's jail will be reduced. The struggle of the farmers is not going to reduce," Surjewala further said on Twitter.

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