Sanyukt Kisan Manch threatens Delhi-like agitation in Himachal

Tribune Repoters

Shimla, September 27

The Sanyukt Kisan Manch held protest rallies in apple belts to reiterate its demands such as the introduction of the Kashmir-like Market Intervention Scheme and strict implementation of the APMC Act. The Himachal Kisan Sabha, CITU and other organisations also held protests in the state on the ‘Bharat Bandh’ call given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) against the three farm laws and the changes in the labour laws.

“Marches were taken out in several places in upper Shimla, starting from Theog to Rohru. At various places, beopar mandals kept shops shut for two hours to show solidarity with the farmers,” said Harish Chauhan, kisan manch convener. At a few places, transport services were also stalled.

“Apple prices both in APMC mandis and private stores have gone up after growers came on one platform to fight for their rights,” said Chauhan. The kisan manch would continue to fight until the government accepts its demands. “If the government continues to ignore our demands, the agitation can take the shape of the one going on on the outskirts of Delhi,” manch leader Sanjay Chauhan said.

The leaders also alleged that the Chief Minister and ministers were visiting mandis but were reluctant to talk to farmers.

“The Central Government should withdraw the farm laws and grant the MSP on fruits, vegetables and cereals, as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan commission,” said kisan sabha president Kuldeep Tanwar, leading a protest in Shimla.

Vijender Mehra, CITU president, said labourers from all districts would join farmers in Delhi, if the government did not accept their demands.

Hamirpur: The three farm laws enacted by the Central Government are against farmers and must be withdrawn, said Kashmir Singh Thakur, national secretary of CITU.

Solan: The bandh had little impact in Solan and Sirmaur as shops and business establishments remained open and private buses plied on internal routes.

The movement of inter-state buses was, however, hit. HRTC buses to Delhi and Chandigarh plied only till Parwanoo, said an official.

DSP, Parwanoo, Yogesh Rolta said people were advised not to travel beyond Parwanoo. Those who ventured out were guided to return from Timber Trail resorts. Transporters had also been advised not to send trucks carrying apples.

The Paonta Sahib police had set up nakas at major inter-state barriers. Vehicles were checked at Behral, Gobindghat, Meenus and Haripur Khol barriers. The bus stand wore a deserted look at Paonta Sahib.

There was a scanty flow of tourists to Kasauli as vehicles from other states did not enter the state at Parwanoo.

FIR against leaders for blocking road

• The Sanyukt Kisan Sabha, and activists of the CPM held a rally against the government and blocked a road for around 30 minutes in Kullu.
• The CPM activists took out a rally from the party office to Dhalpur Chowk and sat on a dharna on the road. Leaders of the CPM, including Hotam Sonkhala, Prem Gautam and Rajesh Thakur, addressed a gathering.
• The movement of vehicles on the main road was halted and the police diverted the vehicles via Rath Maidan. Many commuters were hassled due to the closure of the main road.
• The protest continued peacefully and ended after about 30 minutes. SP Gurdev Sharma said the leaders had not taken permission to hold the protest. An FIR was registered against them for blocking the road.

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