Farmers Protest Outside Punjab Ministers' Homes, Seek Direct Debate with CM Mann

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Farmers led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) today staged protests by gheraoing the houses of all Punjab ministers and AAP MLAs. The protest, organized by various farmer groups under the leadership of the Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan, took place outside the residences of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president and cabinet minister Aman Arora in Sunam, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema in Didba, and Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal in Lehragaga.

The farmer leaders accused the state government of suppressing the voices of farmers, particularly after the police crackdown on a planned protest in Chandigarh on March 5. The protest was intended to highlight key demands of the farmers, but on the instructions of Punjab's Chief Minister, the Punjab Police began arresting farmers on March 4, even before the protest could take place. On March 5, when farmers attempted to march toward Chandigarh, the police conducted raids and arrested several protestors.

Speaking at the protest in Sunam, Joginder Singh Ugrahan asserted that struggles cannot be suppressed by force, emphasizing that the farmers' movement would persist. He also called on the Chief Minister to stop his “childish” behavior, warning that the people have immense power. A number of prominent farmer leaders and activists, including Darbara Singh Chajla, Binderpal Singh BKU Dakaunda, and Hardev Singh Bakshiwala, participated in the protest, which also saw a large gathering of farmers, laborers, youth, and mothers.