SKM and BKU (U) boycott talks in Punjab

Farmers' groups in Punjab, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) (BKU U), have decided not to attend a meeting with the state government. This decision came as Punjab Police intensified actions against protesting farmers. The SKM criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government for the police crackdown and demanded that all detained farmers be released. They also postponed their planned march to the Punjab Assembly set for March 26. The Punjab government had invited the SKM and BKU (U) to meet with Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian. However, BKU (U) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan said that under current conditions, it was questionable to hold discussions. The SKM leaders echoed this sentiment, stating the environment was not suitable for talks at this time. During the day, Congress party legislators protested against the alleged assault of an Army Colonel and the detention of farmers by walking out during the Governor's address. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa highlighted these issues, leading other Congress MLAs to raise slogans in the assembly.