The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) initiated a three-day protest at the Mohali-Chandigarh border on Sunday, focusing on the longstanding demands of farmers. A protester voiced concerns over the disparity between corporate debt write-offs and the neglect of farmers' debts, emphasizing the dire consequences of debt traps leading to farmer suicides. The central demand of the protest is the immediate writing off of farmers' loans, a commitment previously pledged by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and echoed by some state governments, according to media reports.
The protest aims not only to address immediate concerns but also to galvanize farmers for a more extensive agitation in the future. The protester highlighted the intention to escalate demonstrations towards Delhi, the nation's political hub, in response to large gatherings in other states advocating for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt relief, and other crucial issues.
As the farmers marched towards Chandigarh Raj Bhavan, the protester outlined the three-day protest's current scope, indicating that further decisions hinge on the government's response. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a coalition of farmer unions from Punjab and other states, underscores a range of demands during these protests. These include a guaranteed MSP from the central government, withdrawal of cases against farmers from the previous year-long agitation against now-repealed farm laws, debt waivers, and pension for farmers.
The farmers also seek the annulment of FIRs related to crop residue burning and compensation for crop damage caused by floods. SKM leaders anticipate a significant farmer turnout, with discussions about marching towards Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh after the Guru Parv celebrations. However, heightened security measures at the Chandigarh-Mohali border may impede this plan, as mentioned by Superintendent of Police (SP) Amandeep Brarar. The security arrangements include the deployment of police forces, water cannons, and a fire brigade, with a focus on ensuring minimal disruption for the general public during the three-day protest.
