🔴 Farmers Protest India–U.S. Trade Deal Across Punjab, Stage Demonstrations Outside MLAs’ Homes

Farmers and farm labourers under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) staged widespread protests across Punjab on Thursday, opposing the recently announced India–U.S. trade deal and pressing for other pending demands.

The demonstrators gathered outside the residences of several legislators in different districts, intensifying pressure on both the state and Central governments.

📍 Protests in Multiple Districts

Demonstrations were reported from several locations, including Sangrur, the hometown of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Protesters raised slogans and submitted memorandums to local representatives, urging them to convey farmers’ concerns to the Centre.

Similar protests were also organised in other districts, where farmers accused the government of not taking agricultural stakeholders into confidence before finalising trade-related decisions.

🌾 Concerns Over India–U.S. Trade Deal

Leaders of the KMM alleged that provisions in the India–U.S. trade agreement could adversely impact domestic agriculture, particularly small and marginal farmers. They expressed apprehension that increased imports of agricultural commodities may:

• Depress prices of locally grown produce

• Affect minimum support price (MSP) mechanisms

• Increase corporate influence in the farm sector

Farm unions claimed that past trade agreements have led to market instability and demanded safeguards to protect Indian farmers from global price fluctuations.

📢 Additional Demands Raised

Apart from opposing the trade deal, protesters reiterated other long-standing demands, including:

• Legal guarantee of MSP for all crops

• Loan waivers for farmers and farm labourers

• Compensation for crop losses

• Implementation of recommendations related to agricultural reforms

Union leaders warned that if their demands are not addressed, they would intensify agitation in the coming weeks.

🚔 Police Deployment and Peaceful Demonstrations

Security was tightened in sensitive areas, with police personnel deployed outside legislators’ residences to maintain law and order. However, officials said the protests remained largely peaceful.

Authorities confirmed that memorandums submitted by farmer representatives would be forwarded to the concerned departments.

🗳️ Political Significance

The protests come at a politically sensitive time, as agrarian issues continue to dominate discourse in Punjab. Observers say the farmers’ mobilisation reflects lingering distrust between farm groups and policymakers, especially after previous nationwide agitations.

KMM leaders said they are prepared for a prolonged movement if their concerns regarding the trade agreement and agricultural policies are not adequately addressed.

The situation remains under close watch, with further protests likely depending on the government’s response.