Farmers who came to the capital on Wednesday for a third round of negotiations have refused to budge from their stance.
Among other things, the Kissan Ittehad wants the former tubewell electricity tariff of Rs5.3 per unit restored and taxes and adjustments removed.
Rana Sanaullah said the government would not let the protesters move to the Red Zone at any cost during the talks, according to the farmers.
Reporters were told that a cabinet committee was looking into reducing electricity bills for agricultural tubewells. The panel will review the proposals on Monday.
Farmers demand will consider very seriously
According to Mr Sanaullah, the farmers’ ‘genuine demands’ are considered “very seriously,” and a notification granting deferral of the tubewell bills has already been issued. His sit-in was unjustified.
In light of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) call for protests, Kissan Ittehad spokespersons spoke of the interior minister warning that state machinery would be used against the farmers.
Agriculture officials rejected farmers’ demands, causing the stalemate. Defying the minister’s threats, they vowed to march to the Red Zone.
Chairman Khalid Batth said the minister’s tone during the meeting was “different” and the government should stop using force.
When negotiations fail, we will go to the Red Zone, he said. “We intend to continue the protest until our demands are met,” the minister said.
Farmers from different parts of Punjab, including Okara, joined protesters earlier, the officers said, adding that their number grew to about 3,000.
Precautions for Red Zone
In the Blue Area, police and paramilitary personnel instructed to remain alert to foil a possible Red Zone advance.
The police security plan calls for container blocks and barbed wire along Khayaban-i-Suhrawardi Road.
There also two anti-riot units deployed at Nadra Headquarters Chowk, also blocked with containers and barbed wire, the official said.
Express Chowk, blocked with barbed wire, guarded by four ARU platoons and armed personnel carriers. Marriot Chowk blocked at the ISI picket, and 18 policemen deployed, the officers said. Margalla Road also blocked at the ISI picket and 18 policemen deployed.
A total of 17 police platoons, including four ARU platoons with 18 personnel each and six tear-gas teams. It deployed around Khayaban Chowk, the officers reported, also deploying water cannons and armed personnel carriers.
Officials from the Special Branch directed to gather intelligence among protesters, the officers said.
In Sector G-8, three vehicles with 6,000 long-range and short-range shells and as many guns as possible also deployed. Armed personnel carriers deployed 500 tear gas shells.
The capital administration also requested ambulances, paramedics, and fire engines from security divisions of the capital police.
