Killing of five farmers in police firing on June 6, to control the farmers protest led to a sudden escalation of violence and arson that spread to several districts of Madhya Pradesh. In order to restore peace in the state, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan sat for a indefinite fast on Saturday at BHEL’s Dussehra Maidan.
The farmers were demanding a complete loan waiver and purchase of the crops at the minimum support price (MSP).
Shivraj Singh broke his 28 hour long fast with a glass of coconut water offered by former CM Kailash Joshi on Sunday. He announced a series of measures to be taken by the government of MP for the farmers. “Any purchase of farm produce below the minimum support price (MSP), declared by the Centre, would be considered a criminal act in Madhya Pradesh,” he said. He further added that the agricultural land would be acquired only after the consent of the farmer.
He also took some decisions based on the Swaminathan Committee report, submitted in 2002, saying that government would establish ‘Kisan Bazaar (farmer market) within the area under all municipal bodies. The government would also adopt the system of Amul Dairy Cooperatives to purchase milk in the state. He said that a copy of ‘Khasra’ (land document) would be sent free of cost at the doorstep of the farmers every year, so that the farmers do not have to go to the government offices.
Besides, Agricultural Costs and Marketing Commission would also be set up to ensure better prices of the farm produce.
“Peace has been restored in MP and no case of violence has been reported yesterday and today,” Chouhan said before ending his fast. He also added that strict action will be taken against those who instigated the protest and spread violence. “Those whose properties have been damaged will be compensated, but it will be investigated who were behind this violence. I began this fast in accordance with ‘Rashtra dharma’ (duty towards the nation) as in the name of farmers’ agitation some people created a situation that caused me worry,” he said.