SKM Launches Statewide Road Blockade in Punjab Today Over Paddy Procurement Delays

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has begun a statewide road blockade in Punjab today protesting the delayed paddy procurement. The farmers, of course, hold both their respective state government and the BJP-led central government equally accountable for the current circumstances.

A decision to blockade on October 25 was taken in the meeting that was held on Wednesday during which SKM leaders expressed their dissatisfaction over the slowdown in the procurement process. The SKM leaders accused the governments of neglecting the concerns of farmers.

This decision comes after four days of ultimatum given by SKM on October 19, in which the state government was asked to ensure timely procurement. When there was no satisfactory response, SKM has planned the blockade between 11 am and 3 pm targeting roads near mandis in the entire state.

Looking ahead, SKM leader Raminder Singh Patiala said that unless things improve, farmers will collect at all the deputy commissioner offices in the state on 29 October. Further, SKM is going to protest with AAP ministers, MLAs, and officials by hoisting black flags at grain markets across the state in protest against failure of both state and central authorities on farmers' issues.