“We want PM Modi to have talks” says farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher ahead of meeting with Centre today

The General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pandher, called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in dialogue with farmers and address their grievances. Speaking at a press conference at Shambu Border, Pandher emphasized the need for immediate resolution, stating, “We have said it earlier also. It is not a question of going ahead, we are not saying that we will break your barricade, there are two things, today there is a meeting with the Union Ministers, and we would like the Prime Minister himself to talk to them and these demands should be resolved today. This will be pleasant for everyone.”

He further stressed the importance of peaceful protest in a democratic country, stating, “Secondly, as this is a democratic country, we should be allowed to carry out our movement peacefully in Delhi, this path should be opened by the government itself and the agenda will be the same as we have.”

Highlighting concerns over the handling of protests, Pandher criticized the use of heavy security measures, including para-military forces, and emphasized the unprecedented use of force against farmers. He urged the government to reconsider its approach, stating, “This is the first time that any government of the country has used paramilitary forces against the farmer labour movement, I would like to tell. Tear gas is commonly used, but look at the other ways, smoke cell air bursts are also being utilized, smoke cell ground bursts are also being used and heavy explosion emissions are also being utilized.”

Pandher expressed solidarity with farmers from various states and emphasized the unity of the movement. He dismissed allegations of political affiliations, stating, “We are the farmers and labourers of the country,” and urged all farmers to demand the implementation of MSP guarantee.

The farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, including guaranteed MSP for all crops, debt waiver, pension schemes, and scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. They also seek justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri killings and compensation for families of deceased farmers.