International Desk
The Centre did not accept the demands. It did not even sit in on the talks. That is why the farmers called for a blockade in Punjab to press for their demands. On Monday (December 30), the blockade had its impact in various parts of the state. Even 221 trains have been cancelled due to the farmers’ protests. Roads have also been blocked.
The farmers have taken to the streets again on the call of the United Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The two organizations had earlier announced that they would observe the blockade from 7 am to 4 pm on Monday. Exemptions have been given for emergency services including medical services.
It is learnt that the farmers started gathering in various parts of Punjab since Monday morning. They have sat on the Jalandhar-Delhi National Highway and Amritsar-Delhi Highway. As a result, traffic on these roads has been stopped. The farmers have also blocked the road to the airport in Mohali.
The police are keeping a close watch so that no chaos is created due to the farmers’ program. 600 police have been deployed in Mohali to maintain law and order. Senior police officials are monitoring the situation in the state. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that only emergency services will be exempted during the blockade. If someone goes to the airport, or goes for a job interview or has a special need, they will not be stopped.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewale has started a hunger strike to death with 13 demands including minimum support price (MSP) of crops, farm loan waiver, pension provision and no increase in electricity bills. Today his hunger strike has entered its 34th day. It is learnt that Dallewale’s physical condition is critical. And so the farmers have started a blockade program from today to stand by him and increase pressure on the central government.
Since February 13, the farmers have been stationed on the border of Punjab, Haryana and Khanauri adjacent to Delhi. However, the movement gained new momentum after Jagjit Singh Dallewale started a hunger strike to death on November 26. Earlier, the farmers had also taken up the ‘Rail Roko’ programme.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said, “Our demands are very clear. Despite this, efforts are being made to suppress our movement. The Centre is adamant in its position and is not giving importance to any of the farmers’ demands.”
Source: Hindustan Times, India Today
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