Punjab’s farmers have been protesting for the last nine days demanding guarantees for the minimum support price (MSP). On February 21, farmers have been trying to cross the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana and the Datasinghwala-Khanauri border in Haryana-Punjab after the fourth round of talks with the government failed.
A tense situation prevailed at the Khanauri border. The police have also used tear gas, rubber bullets, etc. several times to stop the farmers. Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has once again invited farmers for talks.
While the farmers tried to break barricades at the Shambhu border, the police have used tear gas to stop them. On the other hand, farmers have reportedly used special masks, wet sacks and glasses to protect themselves from tear gas.
Amid protests by farmers, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has hinted at the fifth round of talks. He said the government was ready to talk about all issues, including the msp’s demand, the nara issue, the FIR. He again invited the farmer leaders for talks and said that it is necessary to maintain peace.
It is to be noted that the farmers have demanded framing of guarantee laws on MSP and implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. It has also demanded a pension system for farmers and agricultural labourers, waiver of farmers’ loans, etc.