Farmers Stage Blockade on Kurukshetra-Delhi National Highway, Demanding MSP

Farmers in Haryana's Kurukshetra district staged a protest by blocking the national highway leading to Delhi after a mahapanchayat held on Monday. Farmers were expressing their discontent over the Haryana government's decision not to procure sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP).

The protest, organized by farmers, gained momentum as they converged on the flyover near Pipli, demanding the implementation of MSP for sunflower seeds. The farmers alleged that the state government was not procuring their produce at the MSP, leaving them with no option but to sell to private buyers at significantly lower prices, approximately Rs 4,000 per quintal as opposed to the MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal.

With their grievances left unaddressed, the farmers resorted to blocking the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway in Kurukshetra on June 6.

The situation escalated when the police intervened, resorting to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd and clear the road.

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Farmers in the region have expressed their frustration and dissatisfaction with the government's decision, emphasizing the need for the procurement of sunflower seeds at the MSP to ensure fair prices for their agricultural produce.

The MSP serves as a safety net for farmers, guaranteeing them a minimum price for their crops and protecting their livelihoods.

Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia, who recently garnered support from farmers in his ongoing protests against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, joined farmer leader Rakesh Tikait at a mahapanchayat. Rakesh Tikait gained prominence for leading the year-long farmers' agitation against the now-repealed controversial farm laws.

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During the mahapanchayat, several agricultural leaders voiced their discontent with the government's policies, which they labeled as detrimental to farmers. They also criticized the police actions taken against their fellow leaders.

One of their key demands was for the government to procure sunflower seeds at minimum support prices (MSP). Additionally, they called for the release of the protesters who had been arrested in Shahabad recently. 

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