Farmers stage protest in Karnal, Kaithal districts

Karnal, February 22

In a show of solidarity with the farmers of Punjab, scores of farmers under the banner of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Charuni) staged protests at various locations in Karnal and Kaithal districts on Thursday. They blocked roads in both districts for two hours from 12 pm to 2 pm and paid tribute to Shubhkaran, a protester, who lost his life at the Khanori-Datta Wala border on Wednesday.

Several farmers blocked the Karnal-Gharibirbal-Indri road in Karnal district. Farmer leader Manjeet Chaugama condemned the action of the police, stating that it is an attempt by the Haryana police to suppress the voices of farmers who want to remind the Union Government of the promises made during the last farmers’ agitation.

Rampal Chahal, a senior farmer leader, reiterated that their only demand was for a law ensuring the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops and justice to Lakhimpur Kheri victims.

Vikram Kasana, the youth state president of BKU (Charuni), and Mahabir Chahal Narar, the district president, led the protest at Titram Mor in Kaithal district. Kasana stated that, in response to the call by their president Gurnam Singh Charuni, they observed a two-hour blockade across the state.

He criticised the government for resorting to police action instead of resolving the issue through dialogue. “When the farmers want to go to Delhi, why is the state government obstructing them?” he questioned. Kasana further added that they would announce their future course of action during a meeting scheduled for February 23 in Kurukshetra.