Government Seeks Time For Talks Amid Sixth-Day Shambhu Border Protest

As the farmer protest at Shambhu border extends to its sixth day, leaders of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee stated on Sunday that the government had requested time for discussions with union ministers.

“We are now on the sixth day at the Shambhu border. Today, we are also engaging in the fourth round of talks with the government. The government has requested some time and expressed intentions to discuss the matter with union ministers in order to reach a resolution,” said Sarvan Singh Pandher, the committee’s general secretary.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have issued a “Delhi Chalo” call to urge the BJP-led Centre to address their demands. Farmers from Punjab initiated their march towards the national capital on Tuesday but were halted by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.

Protesting farmers have maintained their presence at the Shambhu border near Ambala since the commencement of the march on Tuesday, February 13. Discussions between union ministers and leaders of various farmers’ organizations have thus far yielded no conclusive results, with the fourth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.

Previously, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda stated on Friday that efforts to find a resolution continue, with the next round of talks with farmers scheduled for Sunday.

The third round of talks with the central government concluded on Thursday amidst the standoff between protesters and security personnel on the Punjab-Haryana border.

“This was the third meeting between farmers and the government. Various issues and topics were raised and deliberated upon. If we continue the talks peacefully, we will undoubtedly reach a resolution. I am optimistic that we will soon find a solution. Another meeting with farmers will be convened on Sunday, during which we will discuss matters further and work towards a resolution,” stated the Union Minister.

Munda emphasized the need to consider all aspects while making decisions. “Decisions must not be made in haste, inviting criticism in the future. Instead, we should thoroughly consider all aspects and engage in discussions. The everyday lives of people should not be disrupted in any way,” he added.

Meanwhile, security forces stationed at the Shambhu Border continue to resist agitating farmers attempting to enter the national capital. Earlier, tear gas was used by police to disperse farmers, who were observed throwing stones towards law enforcement on Friday. The protesting farmers have been stationed at the border points, resulting in numerous injuries to both farmers and journalists as clashes with police have occurred multiple times in attempts to breach the multi-layer barricades.