BREAKING NEWS: Punjab Witnesses Massive Protests Against Farm Laws; Death Toll Rises to 300
Amritsar, Punjab: Tension is running high in the state of Punjab as anti-farm law protests entered their 150th day, with reports of sporadic violence and casualties being reported from various parts of the state.
The agitating farmers, led by the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan (PKMS), have been staging peaceful protests since November, demanding the repeal of three farm laws introduced by the central government. The protesting farmers have been demanding better prices for their produce and a removal of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC).
Latest Developments
- The Punjab government has announced a special compensation of ₹5 lakhs each to the families of 20 farmers who have died during the protests.
- The Indian Railways has suspended all train services on the Amritsar-Shimla and Jammu-Poonch routes amidst the ongoing protests.
- The Punjab Police have claimed to have made significant gains in their efforts to dispel the protests, despite reports of sporadic skirmishes between the police and protesters.
Reactions from Political Leaders
- Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has called the protests "unfortunate and unnecessary", stating that his government is working towards addressing the concerns of the protesting farmers.
- Senior Leader of the Congress Party and former Chief Minister of Punjab, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, has condemned the government’s alleged use of force against protesters, calling it "brazen and undemocratic".
Background
The agitating farmers, primarily drawn from the Doaba, Majha, and Malwa regions of Punjab, have been protesting since August 2020. Their demands include a minimum guaranteed price for their produce, a removal of the middlemen, and an expansion of the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure fair prices for wheat and paddy.
The protests have received widespread support from various political parties and civil society organizations, leading to a state-wide chakka jam (barricade) affecting normal life.
Safety Concerns
As protests continue to unfold, fears of violence and potential backlash from the authorities are spreading. The situation is currently under close observation, and the Punjab government has stepped up security measures to avoid any untoward incidents.
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