Farmers' Indefinite Sit-In Against Biometric Procurement System Enters Sixth Consecutive Day
The indefinite sit-in protest organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) against the biometric crop procurement system has now entered its sixth consecutive day at the grain markets in Julana and Jind. The demonstration, which began last week, shows no signs of abating as farmers intensify their demands for the withdrawal of the controversial system.
Farmers Announce 'Black Day' on Baisakhi in Solidarity Protest
In a significant escalation of their agitation, protesting farmers have announced that they will observe 'Black Day' on Baisakhi as part of their ongoing protest. Participants will wear black bands or black clothing to symbolize their opposition to what they describe as government policies designed to harass agricultural communities.
Pardeep Ghimana, a protesting farmer from Jind, emphasized that this call for action is not limited to any single organization. "This is a joint decision by all farmer unions," he stated, revealing that a state-level mahapanchayat will soon be convened in Jind to determine the future course of the agitation.
Key Demands: Compensation and Biometric System Withdrawal
Addressing the gathering at the market committee office premises, BKU press spokesperson Ramraji Dhull presented two primary demands. First, he called for compensation of Rs 200 per quintal for farmers who have suffered significant losses due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms across the state.
Second, and more urgently, Dhull demanded the immediate withdrawal of the biometric rule for crop procurement. "Our protest will continue until the government withdraws this biometric system that is causing unnecessary hardship to farmers," he declared firmly.
Peaceful Protest Strategy Despite Provocation
Naugama Khap president Suresh Bahbalpur addressed concerns about potential escalation, stating clearly that farmers remain committed to peaceful demonstration. "Some people want farmers to lock the grain markets, but we are peace-loving people," he explained. "Since the grain market belongs to farmers, we will not lock it under any circumstances. We will continue to protest peacefully and democratically to make our voices heard by the government."
Infrastructure Concerns at Grain Market Facilities
BKU district president Bindr Numberdar raised additional concerns about facilities at the grain market. He pointed out that while a building is labeled as a "Farmer Rest House," it lacks proper facilities for farmers to stay or sit comfortably. Instead, the space is occupied by an e-Disha center, raising questions about the prioritization of farmer welfare.
Numberdar also questioned the logic behind the biometric system, noting that "if gate passes can be issued manually due to disruptions in the e-procurement portal, then crop procurement can also be done manually." He announced that a meeting would be held specifically to address these infrastructure and procedural issues.
Sustained Presence at District Grain Markets
Farmers continue to maintain their presence at the market committee office premises within the district grain market, demonstrating their resolve through sustained peaceful protest. The movement has gained momentum through unified action across different farmer organizations, with participants expressing determination to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.
The protest highlights growing tensions between agricultural communities and government policies regarding crop procurement procedures, with farmers arguing that technological solutions like biometric systems create unnecessary barriers rather than facilitating the agricultural process.
