New Delhi: The agrarian heartland of Punjab is on a collision course with the government once again. Farmers across the state have declared a “do-or-die” mobilisation for Thursday, planning to surround the residence of the Chief Minister, Bhagwat Mann.

The protestors are planning to surround the residences of six cabinet ministers and 21 MLAs. The spark for this latest uprising? A high-stakes trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington that farmers fear will turn Indian markets into a dumping ground for American produce.

The Social media spark

The unrest was ignited by social media announcements from the US President and the US Agriculture Secretary. The duo claimed that American agricultural products would now enjoy tax-free access to the Indian market. These statements directly contradict the Indian government’s narrative.

While Union Minister Piyush Goyal has insisted that India’s sensitive dairy and agriculture sectors remain “fully protected” and that the nation’s interests have not been compromised, farmer leaders are calling foul.

The........

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