Punjab Farmers Protest Over Paddy Procurement
On October 26, farmers from Punjab gathered in large numbers in Sangrur district to protest against the government, demanding timely paddy procurement. The protest, led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and its sister organizations, resulted in the blockade of national highways in Phugwara, Sangrur, Moga, and Batla.
Highway Blockades
Farm leader Jaswinder Soma Ugrahan stated that the highways were blocked because both the Punjab and central governments have failed to address the farmers’ issues. The blockade is indefinite, with exceptions made for ambulances and students with exams.
Diwali on the Streets
Ugrahan mentioned that farmers would celebrate Diwali on the streets due to the unresolved issues. He criticized the government for forcing farmers to celebrate festivals away from their homes.
Police Response
Superintendent of Police Phagwara, Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, announced a diversion plan to manage the road blockades. She assured that emergency services would not be affected.
Transparency Issues
PKMSC General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the Punjab government for lack of transparency regarding rice stocks from the past two years. He also pointed out the absence of action from political leaders like Kejriwal on the paddy procurement issue.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab -: Punjab is a state in northern India known for its agriculture, especially for growing crops like wheat and rice.
Farmers Protest -: A farmers protest is when farmers gather to show they are unhappy about something, like government policies, and want changes.
Highway Blockades -: Highway blockades are when people block roads to stop vehicles from passing, usually to draw attention to their protest.
Paddy Procurement -: Paddy procurement is the process of buying rice crops from farmers by the government or other agencies.
Bharatiya Kisan Union -: The Bharatiya Kisan Union is an organization in India that represents farmers and fights for their rights and issues.
Diwali -: Diwali is a major festival in India, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrated with lamps, sweets, and fireworks.
Jaswinder Soma Ugrahan -: Jaswinder Soma Ugrahan is a leader of the farmers’ union who is speaking out about the issues farmers are facing.
Police Diversion Plan -: A police diversion plan is a strategy used by police to redirect traffic away from blocked roads to keep vehicles moving.
PKMSC -: PKMSC stands for Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, a group that works for the rights of farmers and laborers.
Sarwan Singh Pandher -: Sarwan Singh Pandher is a member of the PKMSC who is concerned about the lack of transparency in rice stock management.
