Talks between farmers & admn fail to break deadlock; protest enters Day 2
The protesters reiterated their key demands, including compensation of Rs 3.77 crore for alleged losses during the ‘Kisan Andolan 2'
The protest by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha continued for the second consecutive day near the Amritsar bypass, as farmers, labourers and women intensified their agitation after being stopped from marching toward the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Thousands of protesters from various farmer and labour organisations gathered at the site, while the senior leadership of the Morcha held an internal meeting to chart out the next course of action. Later in the evening, a prolonged meeting between Morcha leaders and the district administration failed to yield any concrete outcome.
Leaders of the Morcha alleged that the administration did not present any firm proposals on their demands and instead sought more time, similar to the previous day. They said the deadlock remains unresolved and that the protest will continue until tangible steps are taken.
Criticising the state government, the leaders accused the Bhagwant Mann-led administration of suppressing democratic rights by preventing them from reaching the DC office to voice their concerns. They termed the move an attempt to curb dissent.
The protesters reiterated their key demands, including compensation of Rs 3.77 crore for alleged losses during the ‘Kisan Andolan 2’, financial aid and government jobs for injured protesters and families of deceased farmers, and the withdrawal of proposed policies such as the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 and Seed Act 2025. They also opposed free trade agreements with foreign countries, the installation of smart or prepaid electricity meters, and punitive action related to stubble burning.
The Morcha leaders asserted that the agitation will not be called off until the government takes concrete decisions on all issues listed in the memorandum submitted to the administration.
Meanwhile, around 35 detained protesters, including leaders Omkar Singh Bhangala, Dilbagh Singh Gill, and Bibi Narinder Kaur Palah Sahib, were released late at night by the police. The group rejoined the protest site around 10 am the following day.
The protesters also presented video evidence alleging that police had blocked an ambulance during the agitation and attempted to defame the movement. They claimed that no farmers were visible near the ambulance in the footage, contradicting official claims.
