Punjab: After meeting with CM Mann, farmers in Jalandhar lift rail blockade; allows vehicular movement on highways

Jalandhar, November 24: After a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann earlier in the day, protesting farmers in Jalandhar, seeking an increase in the State-Assured Price (SAP) for sugarcane crops, end their dharna from highways and rail tracks on Thursday. CM Mann reassured the agitating farmers in Jalandhar of an imminent provision of the highest rates for sugarcane.

Reports indicated initial discord among certain farmer leaders, which eventually led to a consensus to conclude the protest. Present at the meeting were Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and eight leaders, including farmer representative Manjit Rai.

In response to the positive assurances from the meeting, farmers have initiated the removal of blockades on railway tracks and the partial reopening of highways, allowing the resumption of vehicular movement.

Punjab CM Mann, addressing the media post the farmers' meeting, emphasised the achieved consensus. He highlighted not only the commitment to increase sugarcane rates, but also the provision of compensation to flood-affected farmers as a gesture of goodwill. CM Mann issued directives to the department concerned regarding this matter.

Furthermore, the government will convene a meeting with sugar mill owners on Saturday, with CM Mann affirming the government's stance of not intending to curtail anyone's profits.

Appealing to farmers, CM Mann urged against inconveniencing the public with demonstrations and encouraged direct dialogues and discussions for resolution. Regarding the farmers' impending protest in Chandigarh on November 26 concerning stubble burning, CM Mann noted that the demands raised by the farmers pertained to the Central Government, implying that the resolution lay within the Centre's purview.

- With inputs from our correspondent

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