Protesting Pb, Hry farmers stopped from entering Chandigarh

Several farmers, who gathered here from across Punjab and Haryana to protest against the Central government for not implementing Swaminathan Committee report and not fulfilling their other demands were stopped from entering Chandigarh.
Police used water canons at Chandigarh-Mohali border to break up the protest called by Bharti Kissan Union (Lakhowal).
Several farmers, and BKU president Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, sustained minor injuries and their turbans fell down.
The farmers wanted to go to the Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh to submit their memorandum to the Governor.
Their demands include implementation of Swaminathan Committee report and debt waiver for farmer affected by natural calamities.

Earlier, after gathering at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Phase 8 here, the farmers held a march against the Centre for "not fulfilling" its promises made in the run-up to the 2014 general elections.

As per the decision of the Indian Coordination Committee of Farmers' Movement, the march was part of the nationwide protest against the Centre for its "anti-farmer" policies.
"For the past four decades farmers have been receiving lesser price for their crops. Low price is one of the major reasons for farmers' suicide," Lakhowal said, adding they are upset with the Modi government for "not paying attention" to resolving their issues.

"Because of the low prices, farmers have not only been burdened with huge debt but they also find it difficult to meet family responsibilities. Unable to fulfil all such needs, farmers are being forced to commit suicide," the BKU chief said.