The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)–an umbrella body of around 40 farmer and labour unions in the country– has formed a six members panel to take a call on extending support to the ongoing farmers agitations at Punjab and Haryana borders.
The decision was taken after a joint meeting of senior leaders of SKM namely Darshan Pal, Pannu Panther, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Ratan Mann, P Krishnaprasad, Balbir Singh Rajewal and Raminder Singh and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). “The SKM has formed the six members panel, and the panel will soon submit its report to the SKP top leadership whether the morcha should extend support to the agitation or not”, said SKM leader Ratan Mann.
However, the internal sources in the SKM revealed that most of the SKM leaders from Punjab were in favour of extending support to the agitation which has completed 10 months but failed to evoke any response from the union government regarding the pending demands included an act to guarantee minimum support price and loan waiver for farmers and labourers.
Mann said that the there was a need to form a united front to push for farmers demands. The development assumes significance as the SKM (NP) and KMM have given a call for Punjab Bandh for December 30.
Farmer leader Sarvan Singh Pandher said that the meeting with the SKM leaders was positive and all the leaders are united for all the 12 demands of the farmers. “We will make efforts to form a united front to lead the agitation further strongly”, he added.
Farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan said there would be efforts for larger uniting in the interest of the farmers and open discussions were held on all the issues.
The SKM had led the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation in the country forcing the union government to repeal the three contentious farm laws. The several farmer leaders like Gurnam Singh Charuni and Rakesh Tikait have already advocated for a united front by brining all farmer unions at one platform.
Dallewal’s fast enters 27th day; Channi meets farmer leader, conveys Rahul’s concerns
CHANDIGARH: The indefinite hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 27th day on Wednesday, with his health condition deteriorating significantly. Doctors have advised him against appearing on stage due to his severely weakened immunity, which puts him at high risk of infection. Former Punjab chief minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi reached Khanari border and met Dallewal.
“Conveyed the concern expressed by Rahul Gandhi, regarding his (Dallewal’s) health and well-being. Additionally, I presented the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee to the Central Government, which includes a legal guarantee for MSP along with pro-farmer and pro-laborer recommendations”, said Channi after the meeting.
Farmer leaders stated that Parliament holds supreme authority in the country, and the central government must accept the recommendations of this parliamentary committee to enact an MSP guarantee law. The report highlighted key issues, including the under-utilization of the allocated budget by the Ministry of Agriculture, which has been returning unspent funds to the Finance Ministry at the end of each financial year. It also pointed out that the percentage of agricultural budget allocations has been decreasing annually.
The committee reported that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, farmers’ incomes rose by 57.6%, but their expenses increased by a staggering 67.4%. Furthermore, the number of rural households resorting to loans rose from 47.4% to 52% during the same period.
In a statement farmer leaders stated that their team is conducting a detailed study of the report and will present their comprehensive response soon.
In Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh, a large number of farmers gathered to hold a one-day symbolic strike in support of Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike. Farmer leaders also announced that on December 24, candle marches will be organized across the country at 5:30 PM in support of Dallewal’s hunger strike. Furthermore, on December 26, symbolic hunger strikes will be held at tehsil and district levels from 10 AM to 4 PM.
