Punjab MP Balbir Singh Seechewal seeks opening of Wagah border

Kapurthala, December 12

Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal demanded the opening of Wagah border in the Parliament. He said if Punjab farmers were to be brought out of economic depression, the border should be opened.

While raising the demands of farmers during the zero hour, Seechewal said: “Farmers and labourers are committing suicide as agriculture is not a profitable business. According to a latest report, 114 farmers, labourers and daily wage earners are committing suicide in the country daily”.

He said the government announces MSP on 23 crops every year, but except for wheat and paddy, crops are not bought at MSP. The government had announced the price of maize at Rs 1,962, but it was being bought from the farmers at Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 only.

Seechewal said the Kartarpur corridor was opened due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He strongly demanded from the Central Government to open the Wagah border as well.

“People from both countries will benefit from the trade through Wagah border. Potatoes of our farmers will also not be spoiled and people there will also get it at cheaper rates. By open the Wagah border, the Silk Road will be reopened and our trade can be extended from Afghanistan to Europe,” he said.