Punjab Police had final month evicted farmers and dismantled short-term buildings from the Shambhu and Khanauri border factors the place the sit-ins have been being held by them for over a 12 months. Consultant file picture.
| Photograph Credit score: PTI

The Centre on Thursday (Could 1, 2025) deferred the proposed Could 4 assembly with farmer leaders in Chandigarh, urging them to permit Punjab Authorities officers to take part.

Union Agriculture Ministry’s joint secretary Puran Chandra Kishan wrote to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) on this regard.

The communication got here days after farmer chief Jagjit Singh Dallewal stated that they’d be compelled to boycott the talks if Punjab authorities representatives have been invited.

He claimed the farming neighborhood harboured deep resentment in opposition to the Punjab authorities over the eviction of protesting farmers from Shambhu and Khanauri border factors in March.

The SKM (Non-Political) and KMM on April 27 wrote a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging the Centre to not embody representatives of the Punjab authorities within the proposed assembly.

In Thursday’s (Could 1, 2025) letter, joint secretary Kishan stated, “As you already know, State Governments have an necessary function within the federal construction. Subsequently, it might be acceptable to incorporate the state authorities within the assembly. You’re requested to rethink the above choice, in order that we are able to transfer ahead in the direction of an answer by way of dialogue”.

“Subsequently, it’s requested that after optimistic deliberation, you give your consent for the assembly with the participation of the state. The assembly of 4 Could is postponed until we get your consent. The date of the following assembly shall be determined after receiving data from you,” said the letter, which was launched by the farmers.

In the meantime, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, when requested concerning the farmers’ demand, stated not one of the Ministers or officers will be a part of the talks this time.

“Your (farmers’) calls for concern the Centre. You maintain talks instantly with it. We should not have any downside,” stated Mr. Mann.

On March 19, Punjab Police had cracked down on agitating farmers, detaining their leaders in Mohali after they have been getting back from a gathering with a central delegation led by Agriculture Minister Chouhan in Chandigarh.

Additionally learn: Why are farmers protesting again? | Explained

The farmer leaders and another farmers who have been detained were released in subsequent days.

The March 19 meeting was organised to debate the farmers’ calls for, together with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) assure.

Punjab Police had final month evicted farmers and dismantled short-term buildings from the Shambhu and Khanauri border factors the place the sit-ins have been being held by them for over a 12 months.