Farmers block road outside DC office over MSP, fuel price hike

Patiala: Farmers under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha staged a protest outside the Patiala deputy commissioner's office on Tuesday and blocked Secretariat Road for nearly two hours after alleging delay in addressing their demands.The protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, raising issues concerning farmers and the general public.Farmer leaders demanded a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), rollback of the recent fuel price hike, adequate supply of fertilisers, restoration of Punjab's representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board, debt relief for farmers and workers, and withdrawal of electricity and seed-related laws.The blockade disrupted traffic on Secretariat Road as farmers surrounded the DC office. Protesters initially refused to hand over the memorandum to the additional deputy commissioner.The agitation ended after the deputy commissioner met farmer representatives, accepted the memorandum and agreed to hold a meeting on local issues on June 8 and 9.Farmer leaders warned of further protests if their demands were not addressed.