Centre Invites Protesting Farmers for February 14 Talks in Chandigarh

Ravi Singh

Chandigarh: The Central government has invited Punjab’s protesting farmers for talks on February 14 to address their grievances and find a solution to the current stalemate. The meeting will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh.

Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, met farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Saturday at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana. Dallewal has been on a fast unto death since November 26 and was personally invited to attend the talks.

“I hope Dallewal will break his fast and participate in the discussions,” Priya Ranjan said, reiterating the government’s intentions to address the demands of the farmers. Dallewal’s fast entered its 54th day, garnering widespread attention and support from farmers across the region. The prolonged protest highlights the urgency of the issues that are being demanded, including those related to agricultural policies, compensation, and the implementation of promised reforms.

The Centre’s proposal comes at a time when tensions are mounting at the Khanauri border and other protest sites in Punjab. The farmers have been vocal about their demands, seeking assurances and concrete steps from the government.

As the February 14 meeting draws closer, all eyes are on Chandigarh to see if this dialogue will open the doors for a resolution of the months-long standoff. It may well decide the future course of the engagement between the Centre and the farming community.