In a significant development for the ongoing sugarcane farmers' agitation in Punjab, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba) has decided to temporarily allow the Phagwara sugar mill to resume its crushing operations. This decision comes after a series of negotiations between the farmers' union and the mill management.
Protest Suspended After Assurances on Cane Dues
The farmers' union had been staging a vigorous protest outside the Phagwara Cooperative Sugar Mill, demanding the clearance of long-overdue payments for sugarcane supplied by local cultivators. The protest had brought the mill's operations to a complete halt, causing significant disruption.
Following discussions, the BKU (Doaba) leadership, led by its president Manjit Singh Rai, announced the suspension of the protest. The decision was made after the mill administration provided assurances regarding the settlement of the outstanding dues. The union has set a clear deadline, demanding that all pending payments be cleared by December 18.
December 18: The Date for Escalated Action
While the immediate blockade at the mill gate has been lifted, the farmers' union has declared a major escalation if their demands are not met. BKU (Doaba) has announced a plan to gherao (surround) the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Jalandhar on December 18.
This planned demonstration is intended to put direct pressure on the district administration to intervene and ensure the sugar mill fulfills its financial obligations to the farmers. The union has made it clear that this action will proceed if the cane dues remain unpaid by the stipulated date.
Broader Context of Farmers' Struggles
This incident at the Phagwara sugar mill is not an isolated one. It reflects the persistent and widespread issue of delayed payments to sugarcane farmers across Punjab and other states. Farmers often face severe financial hardship due to these delays, which affect their ability to invest in the next cropping season and meet daily expenses.
The BKU (Doaba)'s strategy of temporarily lifting the siege while announcing a larger, more targeted protest demonstrates a tactical approach. It provides a short window for the mill and authorities to resolve the issue while clearly signaling the consequences of inaction.
The coming days leading up to December 18 will be crucial. All eyes will be on the management of the Phagwara Cooperative Sugar Mill and the district administration in Jalandhar to see if a permanent solution can be found before the situation escalates into a larger confrontation at the DC office.
