Farmers leaders arrested ahead of dharna at CM Amarinder Singh's house

CHANDIGARH: Several farmer leaders and workers of farmer organization were arrested in Punjab today early morning ahead of a five day dharna at chief minister Amarinder Singh's residence.

Farmers are seeking loan waiver of all loans, MSP according to Swaminathan Committee report, land rights to tenants among other demands.

Protestors are seeking a comprehensive debt waiver even though the state government had earlier announced a loan waiver for small and marginal farmers on June 19. The waiver included loans up to Rs 2 lakh for marginal and small farmers owning land up to one hectare and not more than two- hectares, respectively.

More than hundred farmer leaders and workers of seven organizations were arrested in an early morning crackdown on 18th September.

"Congress headed by Captain promised to waive away farm loans of all farmers, job to one member of a family," a farmer organozation said in a statement. It said that the Punjab government has taken a U-turn and none of the promise has been met.

All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), has condemned the police action and demanded immediate release of the arrested.

The demand includes extending the loan waiver to farmers owning land of up to 10 acres. The Punjab government had announced a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for marginal and small farmers owning land of less than one hectare and up to two hectares, respectively.