Farmers stage protest against Land Bill in Punjab

Several farmers owing allegiance to different organisations today staged demonstrations in 12 districts of Malwa region in Punjab to protest against alleged anti-peasant polices and Land Acquisition ordinance of the Central government.
The farmers sought withdrawal of proposed amendments in the Land Acquisition ordinance.
The protests which threatened to intensify their struggle and launching statewide stir soon in support of their demands, were held at 12 district headquarters in Malwa region of the state.
Farmers demonstrations were addressed among others by Joginder Singh Ugrahan, state president BKU (Ekta), Sukhdev Singh Kokari, president BKU (Ugrahan), Zora Singh, state president, Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union and Nirbhai Singh, president, Kirti Kisan Union Punjab.

Kokari, while talking to mediapersons, said the farmers' organisations decided to intensify their struggle against the decisions of the Central government on ordinance on farmers' land acquisition.
He said a stir would be launched across the state if the Food Corporation of India (FCI) stopped purchase and procurement of wheat from the state.

He said farmers also demanded Minimum Support Price (MSP) of all the crops on the pattern of wheat and paddy.
Kokari demanded compensation of Rs five lakh to the families of each farmer who had committed suicide due to debt and also demanded employment to next of kin of the deceased.

Kokari said the Narendra Modi government's policies were anti-farmers.
The protests were held at Moga, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Fardikor, Muktsar, Bathinda, Sangrur and Mansa.