Punjab plazas to be made toll-free from Feb 20-22: SKM

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 18

A meeting of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) was held here today in which members from 37 farm unions participated. Addressing the meeting, farm leader Balbir Singh Rajewal announced that all plazas in the state would be toll free for commuters from 11 am on February 20 till 4 pm on February 22. In addition to this, they will also gherao the houses of BJP leaders.

“In the districts where there are no BJP MP or MLA, the protest will be held in front of the offices of the deputy commissioners. All organisations owing allegiance to the SKM will take part in these protests jointly,” said Rajewal.

He further said that their main demand was that the government should provide legal guarantee for the MSP based on the Swaminathan Commission formula. “We have learnt that government is considering A2+FL, which is an old formula and not based on comprehensive cost. We will not accept anything less than the MSP based on the Swaminathan committee report,” he said.

The meeting warned the government to shun such a move and declared that the agitation would be intensified in the coming days, depending on the outcome of today’s meeting. It was made clear that the SKM would not join the stir.

The SKM meeting noted that the large number of combine harvesters were going out of state for harvesting but wee facing difficulties due to obstructions raised by the security forces. It demanded that combines should be allowed to pass through.

The meeting of the SKM will be held in Delhi on February 22 for chalking out future programme.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#Samyukt Kisan Morcha