Tensions flared in the grain bowl of Haryana on August 5, as farmer unions gathered in Kurukshetra to issue a stern ultimatum to the state government. Following a high-level meeting at the Jat Dharamshala, leaders announced a massive “Tractor March” scheduled for Independence Day if their demands regarding crop compensation are not met immediately.
๐ The Ultimatum: Deadline August 15 The meeting, attended by hundreds of farmers, focused on the delay in assessing and disbursing compensation for crops damaged by the heavy rains and waterlogging in July.
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The Threat: Union leaders declared that if the government fails to release the compensation funds or complete the special girdawari (crop assessment) by August 15, they will launch a tractor march on the streets of Kurukshetra and towards the district headquarters during the Independence Day celebrations.
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Key Demands: Immediate financial relief for paddy and cotton farmers whose fields are still submerged, and a waiver of electricity bills for the affected season.
๐ฃ๏ธ Leaders Speak “We have been waiting for the administration to wake up. Our crops have rotted in the fields, and the surveys are merely on paper,” said a senior BKU leader addressing the gathering. “If we don’t get justice by August 15, we will celebrate Independence Day on our tractors.”
Administrative Response Local administration officials have reportedly urged the unions to reconsider the protest date, citing the sanctity of the national holiday, but the farmers remain steadfast, claiming their livelihood is at stake.
