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The farmers' protest in Punjab, stemming from grievances over paddy procurement delays and the filing of cases against them for stubble burning, has escalated into a significant disruption of the state's transportation network. The protest, declared as an indefinite sit-in by the farmers, has led to the blockage of four major highways across Punjab, highlighting the growing frustration among the agricultural community. The Amritsar-Delhi highway, a vital artery connecting Punjab to the national capital, was severely disrupted as farmers blocked the route at Phagwara. Similar blockades were imposed on highways in Moga, Sangrur, and Batala by various farmers' organizations, effectively bringing transportation to a standstill in these areas.
Farmer leader Sarwan Pandher, in an interview with India Today TV, articulated the farmers' plight, emphasizing the severe hardship they are facing due to the delayed procurement of paddy in the mandis. He highlighted that not only is the procurement process lagging, but the lifting of procured paddy is also delayed, causing immense financial strain on the farmers. Further exacerbating their distress is the state government's policy of registering cases against them for stubble burning, a practice that farmers argue is unavoidable due to limited alternatives and the government's failure to provide adequate support for crop residue management.
Pandher criticized the state government's lack of preparedness for the paddy season, arguing that the government is unfairly targeting farmers for pollution issues while neglecting the role of industrial pollution. He questioned the government's selective approach to environmental concerns, highlighting the hypocrisy in blaming farmers while ignoring the contributions of industries to pollution. Pandher voiced his hope for a resolution to the farmers' issues, urging both the central and state governments to take immediate action. He warned that the protests would continue indefinitely until their demands are met, demonstrating the farmers' unwavering resolve to secure their rights and livelihoods.
The ongoing dispute between the central and state governments over the paddy procurement issue has further intensified the crisis. The state government blames the Centre for playing political games and failing to provide adequate storage facilities, while the Centre criticizes the state government's mismanagement of the situation. This inter-governmental blame game adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation, creating a stalemate that is directly impacting the farmers and their livelihoods.
The Punjab farmers' protest is a stark reminder of the deep-seated anxieties within the agricultural community, highlighting the critical need for effective policy solutions to address the challenges they face. The government's response will determine the fate of the protest and the future of Punjab's agricultural sector, underscoring the urgency for a comprehensive and equitable approach to tackling the issues that plague farmers across the state.
Source: Farmers in Punjab block highways over paddy procurement, stubble burning cases