Centre and Farmers to Hold Next Round of Talks on February 22 in Chandigarh
The last meeting, held on February 18, ended without a resolution, though both sides agreed to continue negotiations.
Chandigarh: The next meeting between the Central Government and the protesting farmers stationed at the Haryana border is scheduled for February 22 at 6 PM at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh.
The discussion is part of ongoing efforts to resolve the standoff between the two sides, as thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and other states continue their march toward Delhi, demanding legal guarantees on Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and other agricultural reforms.
Previous Talks and Farmers' Demands
The last meeting, held on February 18, ended without a resolution, though both sides agreed to continue negotiations. Farmers have been pressing the government for a legal framework for MSP, debt relief, and withdrawal of cases filed against protestors from previous agitations.
With tensions escalating at the Haryana-Punjab border, where police have set up barricades and deployed security forces, the upcoming meeting is crucial for de-escalating the situation. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai are expected to represent the government, while leaders from various farmer unions will speak on behalf of the protestors.
Security and Current Situation at the Border
As the agitation continues, authorities have tightened security at key border points, deploying water cannons, tear gas shells, and concrete barricades to prevent farmers from entering Delhi. Despite these restrictions, farmer leaders have reiterated their commitment to a peaceful protest, urging the government to fulfill its past promises.
With February 22 set as the next date for talks, both sides remain hopeful for a breakthrough that could end the impasse and address the long-standing concerns of the farming community.