Will Shambu border blockade by Punjab farmer unions end soon ?
The failure of the Central Government's Farmers Bill can largely be attributed to the lack of widespread awareness and education provided to farmers across the country. This gap in communication created an opportunity for the powerful mandi lobby in Punjab to exploit the situation, with opposition parties seizing the moment to rally against the ruling government. In my view, the agriculture sector is much like stagnant water—it requires a fresh channel to flow out, allowing new and revitalizing water to enter.
The Supreme Court’s initiative to establish a multi-member committee to amicably resolve farmers’ grievances is a welcome move. The Court also directed the Punjab and Haryana state governments to continue their dialogue with protesting farmers to clear the highways, which had been taken over by groups claiming to represent farmers' interests at the Shambu border. The Court rightly emphasized that highways are not meant for parking tractors, trolleys, and JCBs.
Democracy grants freedom to all, but that freedom should not infringe on the rights of others or the well-being of the nation as a whole. It would be prudent for the government to conduct a comprehensive survey among farmers to understand their common demands and expectations. Currently, the voices being heard are mostly those of associations, political leaders, and so-called think tanks—many of whom may not be fully aware of the ground realities faced by the farmers who toil under the scorching sun and deal with the harsh realities of climate change.
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