Farmers Protests In Punjab Today, 'Chakka Jam' In 4 Locations | Details Inside

Farmers in Punjab are preparing for a one-day protest on Saturday (26 October) against the state government, driven by various demands, particularly for the timely procurement of paddy.

As part of their demonstration, farmers plan to block roads at various locations across Punjab, as reported by news agency PTI.

Photo Credit: PTI

"On October 26, we will stage a road blockade at four key points, kicking off at 1 pm," stated Surjeet Singh Phul, Chairman of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) Punjab.

The "chakka jam" protest will be organised at one location each in the Sangrur and Moga districts, as well as in Phagwara and Batala, and may continue indefinitely if required, according to the farmer leader.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Phul said both forums would block roads at four points across Punjab, staging a "chakka jam" for an indefinite period.

The protest, prompted by delays in paddy procurement, is also fuelled by opposition to penalties imposed due to stubble burning. Phul stated that only 10% of the 1.11 million tonnes of paddy that had arrived at Punjab's grain markets in the first 15 days of the procurement season, which started on October 1, had been picked up by agencies, revealing a significant delay in the process.

In response, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged the central government to intervene and provide assistance for paddy acquisition.

A crucial meeting regarding the delays in paddy procurement was held in Delhi, chaired by Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi, Minister of State for Food Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Aside from the procurement delays, today's protest also addresses penalties imposed for stubble burning. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait criticised the government's stance on stubble burning, questioning its lack of viable alternatives.

"The government is taking action (on farmers) if stubble is burnt and in Haryana, if any farmer burns stubble his or her produce will not be sold (at mandis) for two years. Tell me about the technology by which wheat can be grown without burning stubble. The government should tell what should a farmer do about stubble. Protest is by Punjab farmers only till now," Tikait told ANI.

On 21 October, Punjab farmers pressed the government to find a permanent solution for stubble burning, stating that burning is a necessity for them.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised the AAP government, claiming it has failed to adequately support farmers, opting instead to file FIRs against them.