Farmers’ dharna at DC office in Ludhiana ends

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 10

The five-day protest dharna by farmers at the DC office ended today after a protest march was taken out by the farmers putting forward their pending demands which have not been accepted by the government.

Showing solidarity with constituent outfits of the Samyukat Kisan Morcha for getting their genuine demands accepted from the Centre and the state government, members of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Ekta Ugrahan) were sitting on dharna for the past four days.

Common man ignored

The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha has given a call for bandh on February 16 as the Centre is involving big corporate houses in every field and ignoring the small businesses and interests of the common man. Harinder Singh Lakhowal, President, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal)

Addressing the dharna, general secretary of BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) Saudagar Singh said they have protested for five days but the government has failed to accept their demands.

“Now, the next plan of action will be chalked out on February 24 in Chandigarh. No talks were initiated during these five days which has forced them to take their protest further,” he said.

Listing their demands, Saudagar Singh said the state government promised a farm policy but it has failed to announce it. “Whenever the government is asked about the farm policy, the only answer we get is that they are in the process of formulating it. Besides, our long pending demand is that loans of farmers should be waived off and loans with a smaller rate of interest should be introduced,” he said.

He further added that families of the farmers who died by suicide should be given at least Rs 10 lakh compensation and a government job to one member in the family.

A play depicting the condition of the farmers was also staged during the protest today.

Meanwhile, meeting of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) was also held here today to address the issues concerning the farmers of the state.

Addressing the meeting, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, president of the union, said Sanyukt Kisan Morcha has given a call for bandh on February 16 as the Union Government is involving big corporate houses in every field and ignoring the small business houses and interests of the common man.

Adding Saroop Singh said that during the previous protest by farmers, the government had assured to pass MSP Guarantee Bill but two years have passed and the government has failed to bring up the bill.

“The progress in the villages has come to a halt and the approach roads are in a bad condition. We are left with no other option but to take up the path of protest. We will be supporting the February 16 call for Bharat Bandh in interest of the farmers,” he said.

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