Talks with Centre inconclusive, farmers' protest to continue over MSP demand

The third round of talks between Punjab farmers and the central delegation in Chandigarh remained inconclusive on Wednesday, with farmer leaders reiterating their demand for a legal guarantee on MSP for all crops.

Farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher, PR Pandyan, PT John, Satnam Singh Behru, and Abhimanyu Kohar emphasised that farmers across the country want the MSP guarantee passed by the Parliament, and they won’t stop their struggle until it’s achieved. Kohar stated that central ministers have studied the report submitted by farmers regarding the implementation of the law and will have inter-ministerial consultations on the suggestions.

The farmers also raised concerns about the US pressuring the Indian government to remove duties on agricultural issues, urging the government not to succumb to the pressure. Chouhan assured them that the government will prioritise farmers’ interests.

Pandher noted that discussions focused solely on providing a legal guarantee for MSP on all crops. The government expressed concerns about implementing this guarantee, seeking further deliberations.

Meanwhile, Kaka Singh Kotra reported an increase in police force presence since the previous evening, prompting farmers to reach the borders at Khanauri and Shambhu. The government was forced to withdraw the additional police force.

The protests are set to continue, with Pandher urging farmers to join the protest sites in large numbers.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 at the Khanauri border to press the Centre, arrived in ambulance for the meeting. He will first go to the Shambhu border and then Khanauri to protest.

Farmer leader Manjit Rai alleged that tractors were called to the borders by the state government to remove the protestors. Punjab ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Lal Chand Kataruchak deflected on the issue and said the force would be scaled down.