Khanauri: The second round of talks between protesting farmers and the police-administration at the Khanauri border ended on Sunday, with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal alleging that attempts were being made to suppress the farmers’ movement.
Speaking after the meeting, Dallewal said the farmers had demanded a meeting with the Centre, adding that discussions with the Haryana chief minister would not resolve their issues.
“Our struggle is regarding the trade deal,” Dallewal said, adding that the farmers would remain at the Khanauri border through the night.
Punjab-Haryana border sealed
Tensions increased along the Punjab-Haryana border after farmer organisations issued a fresh call to march towards Delhi. Haryana Police heavily barricaded the Khanauri checkpoint to prevent the protesters from entering the state.
Hundreds of farmers associated with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) gathered at the border but were stopped on the Punjab side.
Authorities deployed multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, iron barricades secured with chains and anti-riot police personnel to prevent the farmers from entering Haryana.
Farmers press for MSP guarantee
The protesting farmer organisations are demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for all crops. They are also opposing proposed free trade agreements (FTAs) and seeking the immediate release of arrested farmer leaders.
Khanauri is an important route connecting Punjab and Haryana, and the restrictions are expected to affect traffic between the two states. Authorities have advised commuters to remain alert and use alternative routes.
Farmer leaders, meanwhile, have maintained that their agitation will continue until their demands are addressed.
