Chandigarh, August 13: Farmers’ labor front leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Punjab government, led by Bhagwant Mann, of failing to fulfill promises made to farmers. He announced plans to intensify protests, stating that the Aam Aadmi Party had made several commitments to farmers before coming to power. Now is the time for the government to deliver on those promises.
Pandher specifically highlighted demands for crop procurement, debt relief for farmers and laborers, withdrawal of cases filed during protests, and compensation for those injured during the Sindhu-Khanouri movement.
He stated that the farmers’ labor front has devised a phased protest strategy. A one-day sit-in will be held on August 31 in front of district commissioner offices across Punjab. If the government does not engage in discussions afterward, a five-day blockade of ministers will commence on September 14. Should there still be no resolution, further actions, including halting trains, will be considered.
Pandher emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to procure 23 crops before taking office. He referenced an old interview with Bhagwant Mann, where the government assured farmers that they would facilitate crop procurement. Initially, the farmers’ labor front will demand government procurement for five crops: moong, basmati, maize, potatoes, and mustard. Ensuring procurement for these crops will help farmers secure fair market prices and prevent them from selling their produce at low rates.
He also noted that many farmers and laborers were injured during the protests, with some fatalities. He demanded jobs and compensation for the families of deceased farmers and called for compensation for over 450 injured individuals. This should include cases related to police actions, railways, and stubble burning. After prolonged protests, the government should review cases filed against farmers and work towards their withdrawal. Additionally, he included the dispute over Punjab’s water sharing in the movement’s demands.
Pandher asserted that water disputes between states should be resolved based on the Riparian principle. He also called for prioritizing Punjab’s interests concerning the jurisdiction of the Bhakra Beas Management Board. The rights and interests of Punjab regarding its water resources must be safeguarded. He raised concerns about the damages caused by last year’s floods in Punjab, stating that farmers and common people suffered significant losses, yet the state government failed to provide adequate compensation. The farmers’ labor front will strongly advocate for compensation for flood-affected families.
During discussions, Pandher also supported initiatives for the release of political prisoners. He expressed that the farmers’ labor front would back the proposed blockade on August 15, advocating for the release of political prisoners who have spent more time in jail than their sentences warrant.
The farmers’ labor front has announced an awareness campaign against the Punjab government. Starting August 25, a poster campaign will be launched in villages to raise public awareness about the government’s unfulfilled promises and farmers’ issues. Following this, a sit-in will take place at the district level on August 31. If the government fails to engage or take concrete action after this protest, the farmers’ labor front will initiate a five-day blockade of ministers starting September 14. If no resolution is reached, further actions, including train blockades, will be considered.
Pandher also responded to the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded Sahib, stating he learned about the incident through the media and would reserve judgment until he has more information. He noted that such incidents often arise close to elections, affecting the state’s communal harmony and social environment. Any attack on a political leader should be thoroughly investigated to determine the motives and perpetrators.
Regarding the demand for parole for Jaggi Singh Hawara and alleged recommendations from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Ravneet Singh Bittu, Pandher stated that if a political prisoner requires parole to meet ailing family members, a positive decision should be made. The government should adopt a humane approach toward the cases of long-incarcerated political prisoners.
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