Chandigarh, June 19 (IANS) A delegation of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM-Punjab) on Friday called on Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, at Lok Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum highlighting various issues and demands concerning the farming community.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha delegation raised several key issues, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt relief for farmers and agricultural labourers, conservation of water resources, crop insurance, land acquisition matters, withdrawal of cases related to farmers’ agitations over the three contentious farm laws four years ago, and other important concerns affecting the agricultural sector.

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria assured the delegation that he would personally take up all the issues and demands raised by the farmers with both the Punjab government and the government of India and make every possible effort towards their resolution.

He stated that matters relating to Punjab’s agriculture, water resources and the livelihood of farmers are of utmost importance and deserve serious consideration.

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria urged the Samyukta Kisan Morcha to submit a detailed proposal outlining not only their demands but also practical and long-term solutions so that the issues could be effectively presented before the governments concerned.

The Governor also informed the delegation that the proposal regarding the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against farmer leaders has already been sent to the President of India for approval and that the necessary process is currently underway.

The representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha expressed their gratitude to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for patiently hearing their concerns and for assuring them that their issues would be taken up with the respective governments in order to bring about a suitable resolution at the earliest.

–IANS

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