Punjab Govt invites SKM leaders for talks ahead of March 5 protest

Ahead of their planned protest in Chandigarh on March 5, the state government has invited Samyukt Kisan Morcha (All-India) leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal and Joginder Singh Ugrahan for a meeting at Punjab Bhawan on March 3 at 4 pm.

The SKM had earlier announced a week-long dharna in Chandigarh in protest against what they call anti-farmer policies of the AAP-led state government and the Centre’s proposed National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM). Farmers believe the new framework is even more damaging than the previously repealed farm laws.

Despite the government’s invitation for talks, Ugrahan ruled out the possibility of calling off the protest. “We have received the letter and will surely participate in the talks. However, there is no change in the protest schedule. Farmers have issues with both the state and central governments, and after prolonged discussions, it was decided to hold the protest on March 5. Farmers from across the state will march towards the city on March 4 to press for their demands,” he said.

On Saturday, SKM leaders held a meeting at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh, where they finalised their protest strategy. Discussions are also underway with the Chandigarh Police to finalise the designated protest site.

The SKM leaders have outlined several key demands, including the withdrawal of recent amendments to Punjab’s water conservation regulations. They want the state to reject the Centre’s policies affecting Punjabi language and to introduce a resolution in the Vidhan Sabha to safeguard it. Farmers are also demanding an independent state education policy.