The farmers continued with their protest on the highway in Pipli area of Kurukshetra district of the Indian state of Haryana for the second day, today, keeping it shut and blocking traffic bound for the New Delhi from Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu, and Shimla.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesting farmers are demanding procurement of the sunflower crop at the minimum support price (MSP) as announced by the Indian govt and release of arrested agitators.
The farmers slept overnight on the highway as they installed tents and temporary sheds. Police had to divert the traffic through link roads. The farmers said they would not leave the highway till the government agreed to procure the oilseeds at the MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal as announced for the crop by the Indian government for 2022-23.
In an affidavit in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the state government said talks were going on with the farmer leaders and a solution to the problem will be found soon.
The oilseed growers are not happy with the relief announced on June 10 by Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, saying it was an attempt to prevent the ‘mahapanchayat’ called by farmers’ associations.
Addressing the ‘mahapanchayat’, BKU (Bharatiya Kisan Union) leader Rakesh Tikait said the government should release the farmer leaders who were arrested for blocking the highway and ensure procurement at the MSP, or protests would be held across India.
