Farmers Reinvited for Talks Amid Punjab Bandh

The Supreme Court's High Powered Committee has once again invited farmers to discuss their concerns on January 3, amid ongoing protests and a Punjab Bandh. The committee, led by former judge Nawab Singh, aims to engage with farmers, who have been largely unresponsive, to formulate a viable strategy.

The Supreme Court's High Powered Committee has renewed its call for farmers to participate in talks scheduled for January 3, amid ongoing demonstrations and a statewide shutdown in Punjab. According to a press release on Monday, the committee has invited farmers from all political backgrounds to join the meeting at the PWD Rest House.

The upcoming meeting will delve into the detailed concerns of farmers as the committee strives to develop a comprehensive strategy. This move follows several meetings held with farmers and officials, despite the absence of senior leaders from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a prominent non-political coalition. The committee, under the leadership of former judge Nawab Singh, previously submitted an interim report indicating the reluctance of protesting farmers to engage in discussions.

The release noted that the committee sought to accommodate farmers' schedules for a dialogue, but received no responses. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts. In an earlier session, the committee met with officials from Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh. With a recent letter from the farmers in hand, it remains unclear whether they will attend the impending meeting.

On Monday, the farmers of Punjab commenced a statewide shutdown, 'Punjab Bandh', from 7 am to 4 pm as part of their continuous protest. This disruption comes amid ongoing demonstrations led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Farmer leader Sharvan Singh Pandher announced at a press conference that the citizens of Punjab are backing the shutdown, citing the installation of over 280 blockades disrupting road and rail services. He assured that emergency services, including ambulances and essential travel, would remain operable during this 'peaceful' bandh.

The Punjab farmers have been demonstrating at the Khanauri border since February 13, 2024, demanding various provisions including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on 24 crops. Notably, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a key farmer leader, is on a hunger strike demanding MSP guarantees at the Khanauri Kisan Morcha site.

(With inputs from agencies.)