CM Mann urges Centre to initiate talks with farmers, lashes out for delay

Chandigarh: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has decided not to participate in the ongoing agitation at the Shambhu-Khanauri border for now. The decision was made during a four-hour meeting of farmer leaders in Chandigarh.

Prem Singh Bhangu, a prominent farmer leader, stated, “Efforts for unity are ongoing from our side. We will meet with the President or the Agriculture Minister in the first week of January to discuss this issue further.”

Meanwhile, farmer leader Dallewal, after four days, addressed supporters from a glass cabin at the Khanauri border, urging unity among the movement’s participants.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also weighed in, urging the central government to engage in dialogue with the farmers. In a post on his social media platform X, Mann criticized the government’s approach, said, “The central government should abandon its stubbornness and initiate talks with the farmer organizations. If Prime Minister Modi can mediate between Russia and Ukraine, why not address farmers sitting just 200 kilometers away?”

Mann had previously called for dialogue during the municipal elections in Ludhiana, emphasizing the need for resolution. However, BJP leader Harjeet Singh Grewal countered, suggesting that the Punjab CM must take the first step in resolving the standoff.