Farmers in Punjab Stage Protest in Chandigarh Demanding MSP and Other Reforms
Farmers Block Key Entry Point in Chandigarh
Photo: @ians_india/X
Chandigarh, September 1: A significant number of farmers from Punjab have obstructed a major entry point into Chandigarh, which serves as a joint capital for both Punjab and Haryana, as part of their ongoing week-long protest. Their demands include the implementation of guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for all crops, in line with the recommendations of the Dr. Swaminathan Commission.
To maintain order, extensive security measures have been put in place by both Chandigarh and Punjab authorities.
Farmers, organized under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have positioned their tractor-trailers along a busy road leading to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport and have set up tents for their sit-in protest, which is scheduled to continue until September 7.
The number of protesters is anticipated to grow as more farmers, along with supplies, are transported to the protest site.
The Chandigarh Administration has designated a protest area in Sector 48, where a large stage has been constructed for addressing the demonstrators.
Travelers between Mohali and Chandigarh, particularly those heading to the airport, may experience significant delays due to the commencement of this seven-day protest, although protesters have been permitted to park their vehicles on one side of the two-lane highway.
Mohali's Deputy Commissioner, Komal Mittal, stated that efforts would be made to keep one lane of traffic open for two-way movement.
The SKM is a coalition of 32 farmer organizations, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rajewal, the Kirti Kisan Union, and the Punjab Kisan Union. Notably, the BKU Ugrahan, an affiliate of the SKM, is not participating in this protest.
Among their various demands, the SKM is calling for the annulment of previous agreements regarding Punjab's river waters, the convening of a special Assembly session, the restoration of the state's representation on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the repeal of the Dam Safety Act, and the withdrawal of the Disaster Management Act of 2024.
In a related development, the BKU (Ugrahan) initiated indefinite protests on August 30 outside the offices of deputy commissioners in 17 districts, opposing what they describe as anti-farmer policies from both state and central governments.
The BKU (Ugrahan) is also advocating for the cancellation of the India-US trade agreement, the abolition of Punjab's land pooling policy, ownership rights for tenant farmers, and a complete waiver of agricultural loans for farmers and laborers.