THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18
The fourth round of talks between Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai, and a delegation of farmers commenced around 8:30 pm, approximately 2.30 hours later than scheduled, aiming to address various demands put forth by the farming community. These demands encompass a guaranteed law on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 23 crops, debt relief, and the withdrawal of cases stemming from the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is also present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has announced plans to gherao the residences of BJP leaders in Punjab for three consecutive days starting from Tuesday. This move aims to exert pressure on the Centre to accede to the farmers’ demands, including a legal assurance for minimum support price on crops. Several farmer groups affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have rallied behind the “Delhi Chalo” initiative, jointly called by the SKM (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Internet services in Patiala, Bathinda, Muktsar, Mansa, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab have been suspended till February 24 by the Central Government on Sunday.
Union ministers Arjun Munda and Anurag Thakur expressed optimism for the forthcoming discussions during their statements on Friday, anticipating favorable outcomes. Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, expressed confidence in fostering a conducive atmosphere during the meeting, highlighting the meaningful discussions from the previous round held in Chandigarh.
However, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher reiterated on Saturday the crucial demand for the Centre to enact an ordinance ensuring a legal guarantee for MSP, echoing sentiments shared by farmers stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri points of the Punjab-Haryana border.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait announced plans on Saturday for farmers to stage dharnas in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand on February 21 to underscore their demands, including the legal guarantee of MSP.
Following the last meeting held on Thursday, which extended until 1:30 am, Union ministers, farmer leaders, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann characterized the discussions as positive, signaling the necessity for further deliberations.