‘Not feasible’, farmers to end stir tomorrow

Tribune News Service

Mohali, June 4

Farmer unions on Monday decided to continue their protest only till June 5 as they think it was not possible for them to carry it on for 10 days.

Farmers had started a 10-day protest on June 1 as part of the nationwide agitation for waiver of loans, right price for crops and implementation of recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.

“It is not feasible to stretch the stir for 10 days. We realised small farmers and milkmen were the main sufferers and the protest was having no effect on big players. Verka is taking milk from big suppliers while small farmers are not able to deliver it due to the protest. So, we have decided to call it off after Tuesday,” Jaspal Singh Naimain, president, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal).

He said five farmer unions had been protesting in Mohali and all have decided to discontinue the agitation on Wednesday.

“The state government agrees with our demands. But it remains to be seen what affect our protest would have on the Centre,” added Naimain.

Members of the farmer unions have been going to different areas asking milk and vegetable sellers not to sell. They also took away milk of those delivering it for not supporting their protest. For the past two days, they have blocked the Verka plant gate in Phase VI here and not allowed the entry of vehicles carrying milk.

Farmers would call off the stir after holding a demonstration on Tuesday.