Amritsar – A massive protest broke out in Amritsar on Friday as farmers staged a sit-in outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding compensation for crops ruined by recent floods. The situation turned tense after a scuffle erupted between the agitating farmers and the police, forcing security forces to step in.
The protesting farmers are pressing for immediate relief of ₹70,000 per acre for flood-damaged crops, warning that without financial aid, they cannot prepare for the upcoming sowing season. “Our entire year’s effort has been washed away. Survival is impossible without support,” said one protester.
The demonstration followed Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit to flood-hit areas in Punjab, which had initially raised hopes of quick relief measures. However, in the absence of concrete government assurances, anger among farmers has intensified.
Punjab’s agricultural sector has suffered heavy losses due to floods, with thousands of acres submerged and rural livelihoods disrupted. Farmer unions have cautioned that the agitation could spread across the state if compensation is not released soon.
A heavy police deployment remains in place at the protest site to maintain order as talks between the farmers and administration continue.
