10,000 Punjab farmers to stage Dharna at New Delhi

Moga, May 17 (UNI) Over ten thousand Punjab farmers would stage a dharna at New Delhi on May 22 in protest against the Centre's decision to import wheat, Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, President Bharti Kisan Union and Chairman Punjab Mandi Board said here today.

He said that the protesters will press upon the Centre to revoke the plan as already a buffer stock of 50 lakh MT wheat was available in the country.

Mr Lakhowal also lashed out at the Centre for importing wheat at the rate of Rs 1200 per quintal while denying the Indian farmers the hike of MSP to Rs.1140 per quintal.

Mr Lakhowal also sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to ensure that bonus of Rs 100 per quintal on wheat was paid to the Punjab farmers even after May 30. The Agriculture ministry had announced to stop bonus payment after that date.

A five-member delegation led by Ajmer Singh Lakhowal will be submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister after the protest dharna at Delhi on May 22 to press their demands for the hike in MSP to Rs.1140, the complete waiving of farmers' loans and stoppage of import of wheat.

UNI