‘Protest is by Punjab farmers only till now’: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on today’s agitation

Punjab farmers protest stubble burning, demand government assistance, and block roads indefinitely starting October 26.

After Punjab farmers announced a one-day protest today, farmer leader and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson, Rakesh Tikait said that the protest has been declared by the farmers in Punjab only.

Questioning the government’s action against stubble burning, Mr. Tikait said the government should tell the farmers, what should they do about stubble (Parali).

Mr. Tikait said, “The government is taking action (on farmers) if stubble is burnt and in Haryana if any farmer who burns stubble his or her produce will not be sold (at mandis) for two years. Tell me about the technology by which wheat can be grown without burning stubble. The government should tell what should a farmer do about stubble. Protest is by Punjab farmers only till now.”

Meanwhile, as per reports, the farmers will resort to a road blockade at a few places in Punjab for an indefinite period from October 26 to protest against the “tardy” paddy procurement and other issues.

Chairman of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) Punjab, Surjeet Singh Phul spoke to ANI and said, “On October 26, both forums will do a road blockade at 4 points. We will begin the protest at 1 pm and sit on the streets.”

Mr. Phul said the “chakka jam” for an indefinite period will be held at one place each in Sangrur and Moga districts and at Phagwara and Batala.

Earlier on October 22, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called on the Central Government to assist with paddy procurement, aiming to clear the state’s mandis and facilitate wheat production for the upcoming harvest season.