Farmers in 7 states, including Punjab, on 10-day protest demanding farmer loan waiver; supply of milk, vegetables to be affected

Farmers in 8 states, including Punjab, Haryana, have begun their 10-day protest. The protest may affect the supply of milk, vegetables acorss the country. Farmers in Punjab's Faridkot throw their produce vegetables and hold back supplies like vegetable, fruits and milk from being supplied to cities. The protest ahs been begun demanding farmer loan waiver and implementation of Swaminathan commission.

 We have decided to observe a Bharat Bandh on June 10 till 2 pm. Would like to request all the businessmen of cities to close their shops till 2 pm & pay tribute to farmers who have lost their lives in previous years, says Shiv Kumar Sharma, President, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh

“The administrative authorities have made us sign bonds so that we don’t get violent. Police officials are also being trained to fire tear gas shells. There is extra enforcement being brought in. Is preparation for some kind of war? We are just ordinary farmers demanding our needs,” said Anil Yadav, a local farmers’ leader in Madhya Pradesh.

Yadav was arrested following the Mandsaur violence on June 6 last year and allegedly beaten up in custody. “I was arrested wrongly. The demands we had made last year are still unaddressed,” he said.

In case of violence, the farmers have decided to go for ‘jail bharo’ wherein they will walk towards local police stations as a sign of unity and civility. “We will also walk the Gandhi path and observe a vow of silence if authorities pressurise us,” said a local farm leader.

Anguish farmers spill milk on the road during their 10 days 'Kisan Avkash' protest, in Ludhiana's Samrala.

Farmer leaders in Maharashtra reiterated the plan of action. “It was through a national meeting that we reached the common conclusion. We are not going to take any violent measures but create tremendous pressure on the markets through stopping supply,” said a local farmer leader in Maharashtra.

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