Govt should resolve farmers' demands through dialogue, not roadblocks: Aulakh

Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh, president of Bharatiya Kisan Ekta (BKE), said instead of addressing farmers' demands, the government was creating a tense situation in the state, which had led to anger among farmers. Aulakh mentioned that farmers were protesting since February 13, 2024 for their rights.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Aulakh said, as per the decision of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the farmers would proceed peacefully with their protests. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has already begun an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border to press for their demands. Aulakh emphasised that the farmers would march towards Delhi following the designated Shambhu Morcha route and avoid any alternative routes to minimise disruptions.

He highlighted the government’s previous actions, such as barricading major routes and installing metal spikes around Sirsa and adjoining areas, which caused significant inconvenience to the public. “We want our protests to remain peaceful and not disrupt common citizens, but the government’s measures have created unnecessary hardships in the past,” said Aulakh.

He further warned that such barricades and roadblocks, if repeated, might again create travel issues for the public. Aulakh urged the government to resolve the farmers’ issues through meaningful dialogue to avoid public suffering and economic losses caused by the prolonged protests.

Adding weight to the farmers’ demands, Aulakh referred to Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s recent statement, where he acknowledged the legitimacy of the farmers’ grievances and called on the government to address these promptly.

The fFarmers are determined to fight for their rights through peaceful means, but Aulakh cautioned that the government’s actions should not provoke further agitation. He urged authorities to recognise the seriousness of the situation and act responsibly to ensure a mutually agreeable resolution.