Jind, June 08: (pti) The stand-off between farmers and Haryana government continued today with BKU firm on its stand not to hold talks with the four-member committee till cases against their leaders were withdrawn even as protesters blocked roads and staged sit-ins for the 20th day.

The government must first withdraw the cases before BKU can consider holding talks, BKU spokesman Baljeet Singh told a news agency here. Agitating farmers had placed branches of trees on several roads leading to Jind, he said.

Panipat-Rohtak and Hissar-Chandigarh roads were also blocked by farmers demanding waiver of outstanding power bills besides withdrawal of cases against BKU leaders. CRPF was rushed to the state yesterday to lift blockades by farmers on strategically sensitive and important roads.

Indefinite dharna by Congress in support of farmers outside the mini secretariat here continued for the sixth day today.

Bureau Report