Chandigarh, March 20
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Punjab government to the cause of farmers, emphasizing that the AAP government has always stood by their demands and will continue to do so. Addressing recent concerns, Sandhwan clarified that no action has been taken against farmers. Instead, the government has consistently supported their struggle, aligning with their rightful demands for policies such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He urged the farmers to direct their protests towards the central government, whose policies have been detrimental to Punjab's agricultural sector.
Sandhwan highlighted the adverse impact of prolonged road closures at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, which have significantly hindered trade routes and industrial growth in Punjab. Stressing the importance of maintaining the state’s economic lifelines, he stated that while the farmers' movement is critical, disrupting Punjab’s trade routes has caused unintended harm to the state’s economy and livelihoods. He appealed to the farmers to protest responsibly without obstructing the flow of essential goods like milk, basmati rice, and other agricultural produce, which are vital for the state's agro-industries and employment generation.
The Speaker also underscored the Punjab government’s dedicated efforts to combat drug abuse, calling it the biggest challenge facing the state. He outlined the government’s proactive measures, including the arrest of drug peddlers, crackdown on organized crime, and dismantling of illegal networks. However, he noted that employment creation is a key aspect of eradicating drug abuse. To achieve this, Punjab must prioritize industrial and agricultural growth, which is dependent on unhindered trade and transportation.
Sandhwan reiterated that the Punjab government has always supported farmers and will continue to stand by them in their fight against unjust central policies. He called upon the protestors to unite against the central government’s anti-farmer stance while ensuring that Punjab’s progress and livelihoods are not disrupted.