Tardy lifting, SKM to block roads near grain markets on Oct 25

A meeting of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), comprising representatives of 32 farmer unions in the state, was held here today. The meeting reviewed the situation regarding paddy procurement and lifting, following the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s meeting with farmer leaders in Chandigarh on October 19.

Raminder Singh Patiala, who presided over the meeting, said despite assurances by the CM, the crisis of paddy procurement and lifting was continuing unabated. Farmers were being forced to sell their produce at below-MSP rates.

“The Centre and the state government are hand-in-glove with corporate houses and are implementing policies that harm farmers’ interests. The Centre has also failed to clear the existing stock of paddy that has led to a severe crisis,” he added.

The SKM leader said they had unanimously decided that major roads near grain markets across the state would be blocked from 11 am to 3 pm on October 25. If the issue remained unresolved, the morcha would gherao all DC offices across the state from 11 am to 3 pm on October 29 and the DCs would not be allowed to do any work.

Meanwhile, the SKM reiterated its decision to show black flags to Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, besides Punjab AAP ministers, MLAs and officials. The morcha warned if the issue was not resolved, they would be forced to intensify the protests, including boycotting the upcoming Vidhan Sabha bypoll and opposing the BJP and AAP candidates. The SKM also demanded that the state government should ensure adequate supply of DAP fertiliser and curb its black marketing.