Chandigarh
Sugarcane farmers have initiated an indefinite protest on the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway, demanding an increase in the procurement price for the crop from Rs 380 to Rs 450 per quintal. Hundreds of protesters have set up camp in the middle of the road, pitching tents and blocking the highway. The demonstration, organized by various farmer unions under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha banner, has disrupted vehicular traffic. Protesters, waving farmer union flags and shouting slogans against the government, are determined to press their demand for a higher sugarcane assured price. Manjit Rai, leader of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Doaba), expressed frustration, stating that despite several appeals to the government for a price hike, no action has been taken. Regarding potential rail network blockages, Rai mentioned that a meeting of all farmer unions would be convened to decide on this course of action. Despite a government assurance to address their demands, the farmers proceeded with the indefinite protest, emphasizing their discontent with the lack of invitation to the meeting called by the Cane Commissioner on Wednesday. The farmers were informed about the meeting but were not included, leading them to question the government’s commitment to their cause.
