Punjab Panchayats Issue Stern Warning: Join Protest Else Pay Fine, Face Social Boycott

The warning issued by some panchayats in Mansa and Bhatinda come as they have come up with a rule of 'one family, one protester'. The protestors, especially the youth, have been asked to remain peaceful and vigilant besides ensuring at least one member from their family joins the farmers in Delhi.

New Delhi: With the protests against the three farm laws gaining momentum post the violence witnessed in the national capital during the Tractor Rally on Republic Day, the panchayats in Punjab have warned the family members of the farmers not joining the protest that they would be fined and may even face social boycott.

The warning issued by some panchayats in Mansa and Bhatinda come as they have come up with a rule of 'one family, one protester'.

The protestors, especially the youth, have been asked to remain peaceful and vigilant besides ensuring at least one member from their family joins the farmers in Delhi.

The same announcements are being made from the village gurdwaras and in panchayat meetings. 

This comes as the farmers have now called for a nationwide agitation on February 6 to mount pressure on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to repeal the three farm laws.

Earlier on January 26, thousands of protesting farmers had indulged in violence and clashed with the Delhi Police personnel during the Tractor Rally. Hundreds of farmers deviated from the route decided by the Delhi Police for the rally and entered the majestic Red Fort. 

The farmers have so far held 11 rounds of talks with the government but there has been no positive outcome yet.

One of the major demands of the farmers is that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) be made a legal provision to assure a better price to them.