The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU – Tikait faction) has called off its five-day-long protest in Haridwar after reaching an agreement with district authorities on several contentious issues, including smart electricity meters and pending sugarcane payments. The decision marks a temporary end to the agitation that had been drawing farmers from across western Uttarakhand since August 21st, when they began a sit-in demonstration near the Bahadrabad toll plaza.
Core Issues Behind the Protest
The agitation was fueled by farmer grievances over:
Installation of smart electricity meters without prior consultation.
Unpaid dues from sugar mills, which farmers argue have destabilized their incomes.
Low procurement prices for crops.
High electricity tariffs impacting agricultural operations.
Farm leaders insisted that until these demands were addressed, they would continue their protest, which included plans for a Mahapanchayat on August 28th.
Confrontation and Aftermath
Tensions escalated last week when a confrontation between farmers and police led to injuries on both sides. Videos of the scuffle circulated widely, sparking criticism of the administration’s handling of the situation. In the aftermath, farmer unions hardened their stance, demanding accountability for the incident.
During negotiations, district officials agreed to suspend the rollout of smart meters without the consent of residents. Authorities also assured action against the police officer allegedly responsible for using excessive force during the clash. These assurances paved the way for the peaceful withdrawal of the protest.
Agreement and Withdrawal
Announcing the end of the sit-in, BKU leaders said the administration’s commitments would be closely monitored. “We are calling off the protest for now, but if promises are not kept, we will return to the streets with greater strength,” one leader remarked at the gathering.
With this resolution, the scheduled Mahapanchayat of August 28th has also been canceled, easing tensions in the district. Traffic movement around the Bahadrabad toll plaza, which had been heavily disrupted, is expected to return to normal.
Larger Context
The protest highlighted ongoing frustrations within the farming community, particularly over delayed sugarcane payments—a long-standing issue in Uttarakhand and neighboring Uttar Pradesh. Farmers also view the imposition of smart meters as a burden that could inflate power bills, adding to their already rising costs.
The state administration, on the other hand, has been balancing efforts to modernize power infrastructure while ensuring that reforms do not inflame public unrest.
While the immediate protest has ended, the episode underscores the fragile relationship between farmers and the state government. The BKU has made it clear that it will not hesitate to mobilize again if the administration backtracks on its assurances. For now, Haridwar has seen a return to calm, but the underlying concerns over farm economics, electricity pricing, and accountability remain unresolved.
