Chandigarh, March 4:
Discussions between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and farmer unions under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) failed to yield any resolution on Monday, prompting farmers to proceed with their planned indefinite protest in Chandigarh starting March 5.
The meeting, aimed at addressing farmers’ demands—including a farm loan waiver—ended on a tense note. Farmer leaders accused CM Mann of abruptly leaving the discussion and allegedly attempting to intimidate them.
After the talks, SKM leaders Joginder Singh Ugrahan and Balbir Singh Rajewal voiced their frustration, claiming it was unprecedented for a Chief Minister to directly threaten farmers during negotiations.
“He didn’t even allow us to present all 18 demands. When we were just on the eighth point, he walked out,” said Ugrahan, President of BKU Ekta Ugrahan.
CM Mann urged farmers to avoid road blockades and disruptive protests, emphasizing their adverse effects on Punjab’s economy. While he agreed to advance paddy procurement to June 1, no concrete assurances were made on other key issues.
Farmer representatives alleged that instead of addressing their concerns, the government was trying to delay and suppress their movement. They claimed Mann’s frustration became evident when he told them, “Do whatever you want on March 5.”
The SKM has put forth an 18-point memorandum, which includes a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), a comprehensive farm loan waiver, and safeguards in the new agriculture policy.
With thousands of farmers expected to converge in Chandigarh on March 5, tensions between the Punjab government and protesting unions continue to escalate.
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