Govt caves in to key demands of protesting farmers in Indian Punjab
In India, the Punjab government has conceded to key demands of farmers, paving the way for an end a week-long protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. Farmers affiliated with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) called off their 7-day agitation after the state government gave written assurances. Farmer leaders said the government agreed to convene a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha within a month to take up issues related to river waters and farming.
The Assembly will also seek reconsideration of existing water agreements and pass a resolution against provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act relating to sharing of river waters. The government further agreed to bring resolutions opposing the Dam Safety Act and the Seed Bill, 2025, and to constitute a committee for a one-time settlement scheme for farmers’ loans.
It also assured time-bound clearance of pending sugarcane payments by private mills and announced a “One Window, One Payment” mechanism for cooperative sugar mills. SKM leaders including Balbir Singh Rajewal, Buta Singh Burjgill, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, Prem Singh Bhangu and Raminder Patiala said the protest was withdrawn after receiving the government's written commitment following talks with Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)
