Jalandhar/Chandigarh — The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) strongly condemns the recent arrests of innocent farmers by the Punjab government following their meeting with three union ministers in Chandigarh. The arrests, which came soon after the talks, have sparked widespread outrage and concern, as they reflect a growing disregard for the rights and interests of farmers — the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, expressed deep disappointment and concern over the actions of both the state and union governments, calling their treatment of farmers “unfortunate and distressing.” Chahal emphasized that farmers, who work tirelessly to provide food security and economic stability to the country, are being unfairly targeted by authorities who seem more interested in protecting their political interests than addressing the genuine issues faced by the agricultural community.
“This is very unfortunate that our governments, both at the state and union levels, are playing with the interests of farmers, who are the bread and butter of our country. Instead of supporting the farmers who have contributed so much to the nation, these arrests send a clear message that their voices and concerns are being disregarded,” said Chahal.
Chahal also criticized the role of Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of playing a central role in undermining the demands of Punjab’s farmers. “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, instead of standing with the farmers of Punjab, has played an important role in pushing back their demands, further alienating those who are struggling to make their voices heard. This is not the leadership that our farmers deserve,” Chahal added.
Farmers in Punjab have been voicing their concerns over various issues, from unfair agricultural policies to insufficient support for their livelihoods. Despite their significant contributions to the economy, they have faced repeated neglect from both state and central governments. These issues have been compounded by increasing costs of living and decreasing agricultural profitability, leaving many farmers in distress.
Chahal emphasized that farmers are not just the backbone of the economy but the lifeblood of rural communities across India. He called for a fair and just resolution to their concerns, urging both the state and union governments to engage in meaningful dialogue with farmer unions to find solutions that benefit the agricultural community and the nation at large.
“NAPA stands in solidarity with the farmers of Punjab and across India. We urge both the Punjab and central governments to stop playing political games and start addressing the real issues faced by our farmers. Our farmers are the ones who feed us, and they deserve respect, support, and the freedom to peacefully express their grievances without fear of arrest or persecution,” said Chahal.
The North American Punjabi Association calls on governments at all levels to immediately release the unjustly detained farmers and open a channel for productive discussions that prioritize the welfare and well-being of the farming community.