Farmers demand rollback of Centre’s three farm ordinances, stating them as ‘anti farmers’. Protests held by farmers across India against agriculture bills tabled in Lok Sabha.
Protests in Punjab
Several farmers and farmers union blocked Amritsar-Delhi national highway, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded. Kisan Sangharash Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said that they encourage the opposition party to speak in favour of them. Also, he warned that no MLA would be allowed to enter the village if these ordinances are put to work.
Farmers Express Rage in Hyderabad and Kurukshetra
Farmer unions in Hyderabad carried out protests under the banner of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) the RTC Cross Roads of Hyderabad. They criticized the three ordinances and claimed them as ‘corporate agriculture bills. Also, they accused the government of framing these under instructions of big agribusiness corporates. Moreover, the farmers union in Telangana demanded opposition of bills, including the Electricity Act Amendment Bill by the Telangana State Assembly.
Farmers carried out a rally on National Highway 44 near Kurukshetra, Haryana against the ordinances. Bharatiya Kisan Union state chief Gurnam Singh complained that lathi-charge by the police left several people injured. Further, he explained that these agriculture bills would collapse the Mandi system. Besides, it will revoke the MSP, which will harm the farmers. Farmers have held a protest earlier on 10th September.
Astha Modi, Superintendent of Police (SP), addressed to media and explained that police tried hard to handle the issue without force. However, the situation was so grim that they had to lathi-charge.
Congress Hits at BJP
The Congress took a hit at BJP, alleging the party for subjugating the farmers. Randeep Surjewala, Congress’ chief spokesperson, expressed solidarity with the protestors and said that the party stands with farmers.
The Union Cabinet passed the ordinances amending Essential Commodities Act, 1995 in June.
In all, farmers are holding protests across the nation opposing the bills, fearing the domination of corporates in the agriculture market.