Accept demands or face stir: Haryana farmers threaten govt

Accusing the BJP government of taking anti-farmer decisions and harassing paddy farmers, farmer unions have threatened to launch an agitation in the state if the government failed to withdraw FIRs against farmers and provide adequate DAP fertiliser.

A large number of farm activists belonging to various unions held a kisan panchayat in Kurukshetra under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in this regard.

They slammed the government for FIRs, red entries and shortage of DAP, and later took out a march toward the Chief Minister’s camp office. However, barricades were installed to stop them, following which they sat on a dharna.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to Kailash Saini, incharge of CM’s camp office in Kurukshetra for CM Nayab Saini, and threatened to launch an agitation if their demands were not met.

The demands include cancellation of FIRs, adequate supply of DAP, Rs 5,000 per acre for crop residue management, MSP legal guarantee and loan waiver.

Bhartiya Kisan Union state president Rattan Mann said, “The blame for pollution is being put on farmers, which is not acceptable. Farmers are struggling to get DAP, FIRs are being registered and red entries are being made in revenue records, besides imposing fines on them for burning stubble. During the election, BJP leaders announced that paddy would be procured at Rs 3,100 a quintal, and the government should pay the farmers accordingly.”

“The farmers, on October 28, had announced that they will meet the CM on November 5 to raise their grievances, but the CM didn’t bother to stay here. It is an insult to the farmers. It has been decided to hold district-wise meetings from November 10 to 15, and to observe 'chetavani' rallies on November 26 at all district headquarters. We are hopeful that the CM will consider our demands and take the right decision, else we will launch a state-wide agitation,” he added.

The SKM said Chetavani Diwas will be observed on November 26 at the national level, along with trade unions and agricultural labourers' organisations, to mark the fourth anniversary of the farmers' agitation.

Morcha leader Darshan Pal said, “After Delhi agitation, the farmer unions have become stronger and are working with unity. The SKM will extend full support to the farmers of Haryana in their struggle. The SKM had created an atmosphere and political vacuum. The AAP took advantage of it in Punjab, but the Congress and other parties failed to take advantage in Haryana.”