Punjab Newsline | Mohali
Farmers protesting at the Khanauri border have received an invitation from the Centre for talks. A meeting between representatives of the protesting farmers and the central government has been scheduled for September 4. Union Minister Manohar Lal is also expected to attend the meeting, although the venue has not yet been finalised.
The development came after the farmers announced plans to march towards Delhi in a semi-naked protest on Wednesday. Following the announcement, the administration facilitated talks with the Centre.
Three days ago, 55 farmers from Punjab had set out for Delhi but were stopped by Haryana Police at the Khanauri-Datasinghwala border. The farmers later held two meetings with Jind Deputy Commissioner Vaishali Sharma, but no solution emerged from the discussions.
Following the failed talks, the farmers announced a permanent protest and began a sit-in on the Punjab side of the border. They have now ended the sit-in after receiving the Centre’s invitation for negotiations.
The farmers are protesting against the India-US trade deal and have been demanding that the Centre address their concerns. The September 4 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the issues and work towards resolving the ongoing dispute.
