Govt must consider farmers’ genuine demands: NC

Jammu, Feb 14: Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, accusing it of attempting to stifle the voices of the farmers amidst ongoing protests. He denounced the government’s actions, alleging a betrayal of promises made to farmers over the past decade.
In a statement issued here, the senior NC leader condemned the use of tear gas and the detention of farmers instead of addressing their legitimate grievances, particularly regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He criticized the deployment of barbed wires and iron nails at protest sites, equating it to an authoritarian attempt to suppress dissenting voices.
“Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue and addressing the concerns raised by the agricultural community, the government has resorted to repression and coercion. The actions taken by the BJP-led Central government against farmers exercising their democratic right to protest are reprehensible and unacceptable. Using tear gas and incarcerating peaceful demonstrators is a clear violation of their fundamental rights and undermines the democratic fabric of our nation,” he added.
The Provincial President said the government remains unwilling to provide the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the farmers. “This stark reality underscores the deep-seated injustices and neglect faced by the agricultural community, whose livelihoods are at stake,” he said.
Rattan Lal lamented the lack of dialogue between the government and farmers, stressing the need for the Central government to engage with farmers and address their concerns earnestly. He reiterated the National Conference’s “unwavering support” for the farmers’ demand for fair MSP and urged the government to engage in sincere dialogue to resolve this serious issue.
“J&K National Conference stands in solidarity with the farmers in their struggle for justice and dignity. It is incumbent upon the government to heed their demands and work towards a constructive resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and equity,” Gupta added.