Punjab farmers intensify Chandigarh border protest over MSP and water pacts

Farmers continued their protest at the Chandigarh border for a third day on Thursday, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price and cancellation of decades-old water agreements. The week-long sit-in, organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha from September 1 to 7, has drawn large numbers of Punjab farmers. A coalition of 32 farmer organizations decided to intensify the agitation, with leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal stating demands have gone unmet for four and a half years despite memoranda submitted to authorities. The unions also seek loan waivers, a proper crop insurance scheme, and are prepared for nationwide protests against a proposed Free Trade Agreement. Lakhowal urged the Punjab government to convene a special Assembly session to oppose past water agreements.