AMRITSAR/KURUKSHETRA: US-based pro-Khalistani banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) attempted Sunday to exploit the situation by urging protesting farmers to arm themselves with weapons and engage in violence. The incendiary call came on a day when several farm unions in Haryana, along with influential khap panchayats, pledged their solidarity with the ongoing protests, while Union home ministry decided to suspend internet services in 20 police station areas across seven Punjab districts near the Haryana border from Feb 17 until midnight on Feb 24.
In a video message shared on social media, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun called upon farmers to "use a bullet for a bullet," claiming that weapons were readily available at Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan, and across the international border with Rajasthan. However, Pakistani authorities swiftly dismissed Pannun's claims as "a bunch of lies aimed at defaming Pakistan".
On Sunday, a joint meeting convened by BKU (Charuni) near Kurukshetra emphasised the national significance of the farmers' issues, advocating for participation of all farmer organisations in Haryana in the protests should Monday's fourth round of talks with Centre fail. "A decision will be made Monday. We will wait for the outcome of the meeting," said Gurnam Singh Charuni Charuni of BKU (Charuni).
Haryana khap panchayats' coordinator Om Prakash Dhankar highlighted the demand for a law on minimum support price (MSP) for all crops instead of relying on an ordinance. "We cannot trust this govt on an ordinance as it can be repealed anytime... We are in contact with Delhi khaps and a decision will be taken soon," said Dhankar.
(with inputs from Kumar Mukesh in Hisar, and Vijender Kumar in Data Singhwala)
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