Marathon Meeting Between Union Ministers, Farmer Leaders Ends Without Resolution

A marathon meeting between Union ministers and protesting farmer unions in Chandigarh concluded without a resolution. The farmer leaders said they will continue their protest. Another round of talks will be held on Sunday.

In a significant development, a marathon meeting between three Union ministers and leaders of protesting farmer unions took place in Chandigarh on Thursday, February 15, but ended without an immediate resolution. The meeting aimed to address the various demands of the farmer unions, including a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Positive Discussions, Another Meeting Scheduled

Union Minister Arjun Munda, representing the Centre, asserted that the discussions were positive and another round of talks would be held on Sunday, February 19, at 6 pm. He expressed optimism that a solution would be found through continued dialogue and collaboration.

Punjab Chief Minister Joins the Meeting

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann joined the meeting, which commenced at around 8:45 pm and lasted for approximately five hours. Mann actively participated in the discussions, raising concerns such as the suspension of internet services in certain areas of Punjab and the use of a drone by Haryana Police to disperse protesters.

Detailed Discussions on Key Demands

Farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, highlighted their demands during the meeting. These demands included a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waiver, and the withdrawal of police cases against farmers. The Union ministers acknowledged the need for time to consider these demands and promised to work towards a positive outcome.

Farmers Remain Steadfast at Punjab-Haryana Borders

Despite the ongoing discussions, farmer leaders affirmed their resolve to continue their protest at the Punjab-Haryana borders. They expressed concerns about the alleged suspension of social media accounts belonging to several leaders and raised the issue of tear gas shelling by paramilitary forces on farmers at the Shambhu and Khanuri borders.

Farmers Protest Haryana Police Action

In a separate development, farmers squatted on railway tracks at various locations in Punjab to protest the Haryana Police's actions against the 'Delhi Chalo' protesters. The Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan and the BKU Dakaunda Dhaner called for a 'rail roko' to express their disapproval of the use of force against farmers.

Demonstrations at Toll Plazas

Additionally, farmers staged demonstrations at several toll plazas in Punjab, responding to the call of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). They forced toll authorities to allow commuters to pass without paying any fees as a symbolic gesture of protest.

Farmers' Demands and Previous Clashes

The protesting farmers have put forth a range of demands, including a legal guarantee on MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 agitation.

The meeting between Union ministers and farmer leaders marks a crucial step in addressing the ongoing farmers' protest. As the next round of talks approaches, both parties remain committed to finding a resolution that safeguards the interests of farmers and ensures their well-being.