CHANDIGARH: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) comprising about 32 farmer organisations of Punjab and Haryana today rejected the center government's proposal of giving MSP on three alternative crops of pulses and cotton and announced to continue theor agitation for implementation of theor accepted demands.
The farmers would start march towards Delhi on February 21 at 11 AM, announced farmer leaders Swaran Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal. They said that center government was not serious to resolve the farmer's issues and trying to mislead the farmers. They said that non-serious attitude of center could be seen from the conduct of meetings where Union minister reach three hours late from scheduled time.
Farmer leaders further said that the proposal was goven at meeting of fourth round with Union ministers on February 18 which was discussed in detail. He said that no such proposal was given by them. They are of the consesus that accepting this proposal is not in favour of farmers of the country. He said that their demand is to pass bill of Gurantte of MSP on all 23 crops and implement Swaminathan report on agruiculture. He said that it was not an issue of Punjab farmers alone but the future of farmers of whole country is at staek.
Pandher said that center government if wished may make an announcement on their demands. He said that other farmer organisations were welcome to join the agitation. The SKM, the group that led the previous farmer agitation for one year at Delhi borders has also announced to launch agitation. The BKU(Ekta-Ugrahan), BKU Haryana (Chudani grop), BKU (Rakesh Tikait) have decided to join the agitation. These organisaions have also warned against using violence against the farmers.
Hundereds of farmers are camping at Shambhu and Khanauri borders with Haryana. The Haryana government has sealed the border with concrete blocks, barbed wire and nails in road. About 20, 000 security men are deployed at Haryana and Delhi border to stop farmers from reaching Delhi.
Pandher lashed out at Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and asked him to let them know who has ordered to shut down the internet in border districts of Punjab. He said that they would like to know if it was done wth his consent and added that how can center government snap internt without the state government's consent. He also warned Haryana police against using ultrasonic sound on farmers which is used aganst the enemy forces in wars. He said that Haryana police has installed ultrasonic instruments at borders.
Pandher said that they would start ther protest peacefully and warned Haryana police against making violence against farmers. He said that they should be allowed to march towards Delhi peacefully.