CHANDIGARH: The talks between the Punjab government and the agitating Bharati Kisan Union (BKU) leaders was held here in cordial atmosphere. There were positive hopes and it would be resumed claimed’ the BKU president Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal.
He said that he was hopeful that some of their demands concerning Punjab government would be sorted out.
Those who represented the state government at the talks included Mr. P.S. Kholi and’ Mr. H.M. Singh. Advisors to the Punjab governor, Mr. Vierndra Verma and the Chief Secretary, Mr. S.L Kapur. The farmers were represented by Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal president BKU, Mr. Manjit Singh Kadhian, general secretary, Mr. Satnam Singh Vice President, Mr. Ajaib Singh Khera, secretary of the all India unit of the BKU.
Mr. Lakhowal said that BKU had suggested that since it was not possible to withdraw the stir and to go to the Union government for negotiations, the Punjab government should initiate some steps to arrange a meeting with the officials of the Central Government at Chandigarh.
Mr. Lakhowal said that Kholi had assured that the tractor trollies carrying rations for the farmers would not be stopped. He said that the union had taken strong note of the stopping of the farmers bringing food. They threatened that in case the food was stopped on the way, the farmers would start blockade of traffic there and then.
The BKU representatives exchanged the facts and figures of various demands with the government representatives. The BKU demanded that a total of Rs 1,100 crore of loan were to be waived by the Punjab government. However, the state government offered to waive loans to the tune of Rs 200 crore. The remaining loans are of Rs 400 crore of cooperative societies and Rs 500 crore of commercial banks said Mr. Lakhowal.
Hundreds of Punjab farmers have been surrounding the Raj Bhawan for the past week to press the acceptance of their demands.
Led by the BKU, the farmers have blocked all the seven approach roads with tractor tourneys and other hindrances. The government hopes that some way would be found at the meeting with the BKU leaders to get the blockade lifted.
The Akali Dal (M) at its emergency meeting held here supported the agitation of the BKU. It said that the Akali Dal has always supported the demands of the farmers and it would continue to do that in future. The party will announce on September 5 at Chhappar mela the type of support to be given to the farmers.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 7, 1990
