Farmers protest enters Day 3: SKM to end protest today, after meeting with CM and Governor

Chandigarh, November 28:  At Chandigarh borders, protesting farmers plan to await Punjab government's response until Tuesday.

Previously, representatives from 33 farmer organisations linked to the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) met officials to present their demands. They currently await a response from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Meanwhile, the farmers received an invitation from Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit for a meeting on Tuesday to discuss their requests concerning the Central government, notably the legal guarantee of minimum support price for all crops.

The farmers' primary demands include legal assurance for purchasing all crops at MSP with the C2 50 per cent formula, increased subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, and electricity to alleviate input costs, and addressing farmer suicides by alleviating their debt burden akin to corporate entities. They oppose the Electricity (Amendment) Bill-2022 and advocate for a robust public distribution system ensuring food security nationwide.

Earlier, the organisation was meeting with the governor aims to advocate for farmer-friendly policies, including simplified crop insurance against natural disasters and a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for farmers above 60. Additionally, they seek justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri incident martyrs, cancellation of cases against farmers during protests, and compensation for families of deceased farmers.

The ongoing protest, a continuation from the previous day, has led to heavy police deployment and traffic diversions in the area. Various farmer unions, such as Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), BKU (Lakhowal), and BKU (Dakunda), affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, participate in the agitation.

The farmers have arrived with tractor trolleys, vehicles carrying essential supplies, and have set up tents and a stage for addressing the gathered protesters. The security measures, including barricades and water cannons by the Punjab and Chandigarh Police, highlight the tension surrounding the protest. Additionally, traffic advisories have been issued by local law enforcement agencies in Chandigarh and Mohali.

Farmers' demands during Governor's meeting: Key points highlighted

• Guarantee the purchase of all crops with MSP using the C2 50% formula.
  
• Increase subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, and electricity to alleviate input costs.
• Address farmer suicides by restructuring and managing their debts comparably to corporate entities.
• Reject the Electricity (Amendment) Bill-2022 that privatizes the power sector and halt the installation of prepaid meters.
• Strengthen the public distribution system to ensure food security nationwide.
• Replace the corporate-focused Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme with a farmer-friendly insurance against crop damage from various natural disasters.
• Provide a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to farmers aged 60 and above.
• Deliver justice to the martyrs of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident and prosecute Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni.
• Cancel all cases against farmers, leaders, and those associated with railway protests during the farmers' struggles.
• Offer compensation and employment to families of farmers who lost their lives during the movement and annul the case against Newsclick while abolishing UAPA.

- With inputs from agencies

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