Punjab minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian flays Centre

Chandigarh: Agricultural and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Centre, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the pressing issues faced by agrarian communities across the country. Khudian criticised the Union Government for failing to deliver on crucial promises made to farmers, including doubling their incomes, guarantee on MSP and loan waiver. TNS

Traders’ support bandh

Muktsar: The Malout Beopar Mandal today announced to keep all markets shut on February 16 in support of the Bharat Bandh call given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Narsingh Das Challana, chairman, Beopar Manda Malout, said that the business community would keep its establishments shut till 5 pm on February 16. TNS

NRI milni deferred

Patiala: The NRI milni programme in eight districts, which was scheduled for February 16, has been rescheduled for February 29 in the wake of the farmers’ protest. The CM had launched the programme on February 3 from Pathankot. Sources said the meeting had been postponed in anticipation of a backlash from NRIs for not taking up issues of farmers. TNS