THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 16
The third round of talks between Union ministers and farmer leaders, held on Thursday in Chandigarh, did not reach a final resolution. However, both sides expressed positive sentiments and agreed to reconvene on Sunday for further discussions.
Talking to the media at around 1.30 am, all attending parties including Union ministers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and farmer representatives, characterized the talks as constructive and positive. While no concrete agreements were reached, both sides acknowledged the need for further deliberation on critical issues. These include the long-standing demands for a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) law for 23 crops, debt relief for farmers, and the withdrawal of cases filed during the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation.
Speaking to the media, Union Minister Arjun Munda said, “Today, we had a very constructive discussion between the government and the farmers’ unions. Addressing the key concerns raised by the farmers’ union, we have agreed to schedule the next meeting for Sunday at 6 pm. We are committed to finding a peaceful solution to all issues”. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann disclosed that the Union ministers assured to uphold peace, with assurances from the Haryana government, while farmer leaders had already implored the farming community to maintain calm. Bhagwant Mann remarked that extensive deliberations occurred today between the farmers’ union and the central government, covering a wide array of topics in thorough detail. A positive dialogue ensued during the discussions. However, the suspension of internet services in border areas has posed challenges for students amidst ongoing examinations. Mann announced that the next meeting is scheduled for Sunday.
ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਤੇ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਹੋਈ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਵੇਰਵੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ, ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਤੋਂ Live… https://t.co/9HoVPAaFWj
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) February 15, 2024
Convenor of the non-political Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, said that they engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the three Union ministers. He noted that the government acknowledged the necessity for further deliberation on the demands presented. Dallewal emphasized the positive nature of the discussion and revealed that the next round of talks is scheduled for Sunday. Additionally, he raised concerns about the blocking of social media platforms belonging to farmer leaders.
“During the meeting, we demanded a guaranteed law on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 23 crops, debt relief, and the withdrawal of cases filed during the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation,” he added.
Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai, alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, held discussions with farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Sarwan Singh Pandher, Jarnail Singh, and others at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26, Chandigarh. Before they met with farmer leaders, three Union ministers convened with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the Taj Hotel in Chandigarh.
Previous rounds of talks on February 8 and 12 concluded without resolution, prompting calls for the Central government to promptly address and implement farmers’ longstanding demands.
Nationwide Strike Announced in Solidarity with Farmers’ Demands
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and central trade unions call for a nationwide strike, known as ‘bharat bandh’, on February 16 to address agricultural sector demands, including MSP legislation. The strike aligns with the ‘Delhi chalo’ agitation, as farmers from Punjab march towards the national capital to press for government action.
Protests Escalate Amid Rail Disruptions
Protests disrupt train routes between Delhi and Amritsar, leading to the diversion of several trains. Meanwhile, farmers stage sit-ins at toll plazas, prompting authorities to waive toll fees for commuters. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU Dakunda (Dhaner) call for a four-hour ‘rail roko’ protest at various locations across Punjab, commencing at noon and expected to continue until 4 pm.
Internet Services Suspended in Punjab Amid Safety Concerns
Authorities suspend internet services in select areas of Punjab to maintain public safety.
Internet services are temporarily halted in parts of Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts until February 16, following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This measure aims to ensure public safety and prevent potential emergencies, coinciding with ongoing farmer protests. The Punjab government has appealed to the central government to reinstate internet services in the impacted regions.