Deadlock Eases After Talks with Punjab Government
Mohali, September 7: The farmers’ protest at the Mohali-Chandigarh border, which has continued since September 1, may be formally called off today following talks between Punjab government ministers and representatives of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. A high-level meeting was held at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday evening, where several demands falling under the state government’s jurisdiction were discussed. According to sources, the two sides reached an understanding on a number of issues. Farmers are expected to hold an internal meeting today before taking a final decision on the future of the protest.
Special Assembly Session on Water Issue
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Mudiya and Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh represented the state government during Sunday’s meeting, while senior representatives of various farmer organisations attended on behalf of the protesters. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, according to the information shared after the talks. The ministers reportedly assured farmer leaders that a special session of the Punjab Assembly would be convened within a month to discuss the state’s water-related issues. For demands linked to the Centre, the Punjab government said it would take up the farmers’ concerns with the Union government.
Farmers to Hold Internal Meeting Today
Farmer organisations are expected to meet internally today to review the outcome of Sunday’s negotiations. The details of the discussions are likely to be shared with protesters after the meeting. A final decision on whether to end the permanent protest site is expected thereafter.
Rakesh Tikait Also Reached the Protest Site
Bharatiya Kisan Union national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait also visited the Mohali border on Sunday and met protesting farmers. Tikait said governments should address genuine farmers’ demands instead of delaying them. He also stressed the need for farmers to receive remunerative prices for their crops.
Key Demands Raised by Farmers
The farmers have been raising several demands, including:
No agricultural trade deal with the United States.
Repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Reorganization Act and restoration of Punjab’s rights over its water.
Complete farm loan waiver and crop prices based on the Swaminathan Commission formula of C2+50%.
Withdrawal of the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill and Seed Bill.
Increasing the sugarcane price to ₹500 per quintal.
Withdrawal of the controversial land pooling scheme.
Traffic Movement Still Affected
A section of the main road connecting Mohali with Chandigarh continues to have a large number of tractor-trolleys parked along the roadside. However, one side of the road has been kept open for traffic between Chandigarh and Mohali. If the farmer organizations agree to end the protest, the border could be cleared and traffic movement restored later today.
