Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann assures support to protesting arhtiyas

Amidst a threat by arhtiyas to lock all mandis on Tuesday morning, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday held a meeting with a section of arhtiyas and assured them of all help.

A section of the commission agents (arhtiyas) under the aegis of Punjab’s Arhtiya Association, led by Ravinder Singh Cheema, alleged that the government was trying to break the agitation by calling only one section of arhtiyas for the meeting and forcibly detaining Cheema in Sangrur.

The government, on the other hand, said the ongoing strike by the arhtiyas would end soon and procurement would begin from Tuesday.

The Arhtiya Association led by Cheema, however, has said that the strike would continue.

Meanwhille, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a statement saying that their government stands with arthiyas and pledges to cover any losses if the Centre does not restore their 2.5 per cent commission. The commission had been reduced to Rs 46 per quintal a few years ago.

The AAP statement also said that the government also guarantees DAP fertiliser availability for the farmers.