Chandigarh — The Farmers’ and Workers’ Front (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha) has scheduled another round of negotiations with the Punjab government for December 22, marking a continuation of stalled discussions over compensation claims arising from the dismantling of protest camps at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent leader of the farmers’ front, announced the development to reporters in Chandigarh on Saturday. He stated that the Punjab government has officially issued a letter confirming the meeting date, following earlier negotiations between the two sides.
“The rail blockade movement has been suspended due to the Punjab government’s positive stance on the electricity amendment bill, but talks have stalled over compensation for damage caused at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders,” Pandher said.
Massive Compensation Claim
The farmers are seeking substantial compensation for alleged large-scale vandalism and destruction during the removal of their protest camps. The list of damages includes tractors, trolleys, stages, tents, langar supplies, air conditioners, and coolers. Farmers have claimed losses totalling approximately Rs 3.77 crore at Shambhu alone.
“Entire villages were set up at both protest sites, and we suffered heavy losses during the removal of the camps,” the farmers stated, adding that a government-formed committee to address compensation has been rejected by the protesters as inadequate.
Broader Agenda Remains
Beyond compensation, the farmers’ front continues to press multiple demands. These include opposition to pre-paid electricity meters and privatization of the power sector, tributes to farmers who died during the protests, cancellation of free trade agreements with other countries, and withdrawal of legal cases related to the protest movement and stubble burning.
Farmer leader Baldev Singh Jeera highlighted additional concerns, stating that the farmers seek a complete loan waiver for flood-affected farmers, clarification on the land-pooling policy, and cancellation of notices recently issued in five villages of Mohali. The front has also announced opposition to a proposed satellite system at toll plazas and expressed solidarity with employees’ movements.
Transparency Demanded
A notable demand from the farmers involves government transparency. They have requested that copies of protest letters sent to the central government be shared with them so that the public can assess the state government’s position on key issues before the central authorities.
Areas of Progress
Not all discussions have reached an impasse. The government has reportedly adopted a positive approach on several fronts, including the withdrawal of cases registered in connection with the protest movement and stubble burning cases. Additionally, the state has shown willingness to provide employment to the families of farmers who died during the agitation.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also made clear his opposition to the electricity amendment bill, a key concern for the farmers.
Temporary Suspension
The rail blockade program has been temporarily halted due to the Shaheedi Jor Mela (martyrdom commemoration fair), but the pause has not resolved the underlying grievances. The farmers have indicated that no formal agreement will be reached until concrete decisions are made on compensation for border damages.
As negotiations resume on December 22, both the state government and the farmers’ front face pressure to find a resolution to the prolonged standoff.
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