Punjab CM calls all-party meet tomorrow

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 31

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday to evolve a consensus on the way forward on the issue of farm laws and the ongoing agitation in the light of the recent developments in Delhi.

It will be the second all-party meeting called by the CM on the central farm laws, the first being held in June last year.

Cause for concern

The crisis triggered by the farm laws is a matter of concern for the entire state and its people. It can be tackled effectively and the farmers’ interests protected only through collective efforts of all Punjabis and the political parties of the state. — Capt Amarinder Singh, CM

Sources in the government said the Congress government would try to drive home the need for unified political intervention in the ongoing farmers’ protest on the Delhi borders, especially in view of the Republic Day violence, attack on farmers at the Singhu border and the massive vilification campaign against them.

“There is a need to put up a unified political front before the central government to show that the entire state stands with farmers. There is no place for divisive and communal politics,” said Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Sunil Jakhar.

At the all-party meeting, the CM is expected to assure all political parties that peace and harmony in Punjab would not be allowed to be disturbed by communal forces. “The CM has once again risen to the occasion to stop the step-motherly treatment being meted out to Punjab while talking about the national security and food security,” Jakhar added.

Urging all parties to join the meeting in the spirit of unity, in support of farmers and in the interest of Punjab, Capt Amarinder said the crisis triggered by the farm laws was a matter of concern for the entire state and its people. It can be tackled effectively and the farmers’ interests protected only through collective efforts of all Punjabis and the political parties of the state, he added.

“Our farmers have been dying at the Delhi borders for more than two months now. They are being beaten up by the police and assaulted by goons. They are being harassed and deprived of basic amenities,” the CM said, adding that with a large number of farmers from Punjab at the receiving end, it was imperative for all parties to come together to evolve a cohesive strategy on the issue.