Farmers’ Protests: Government Invites Leaders for Second Round of Talks

The Indian government has extended a direct invitation to Sarwan Singh Pandher and Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) president Jagjit Singh Dallewal for the second round of talks scheduled for Monday at 5 pm in Chandigarh. Farmers from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) will converge at Fatehgarh Sahib on Monday afternoon before proceeding to Delhi based on the outcome of the talks.

Tractors from various parts of Punjab are expected to march towards Chandigarh, and the meeting will include Union Minister of Agriculture Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal emphasized the peaceful nature of the farmers’ movement and expressed concerns about the actions of the Haryana government. The ongoing protests highlight several demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, debt waiver for farmers and laborers, and justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre victims. Other demands encompass changes in land acquisition laws, withdrawal from international trade agreements, pension for farmers, and compensation for those who died during the protests. The farmers also seek amendments in agricultural bills, stricter penalties for counterfeit agricultural products, and protection of indigenous people’s rights over water, forests, and land.