Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait declared on Thursday that farmers participating in protests under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will observe a ‘Black Friday’ following the unfortunate death of a farmer at Khanauri Border crossing in Sangrur district, Punjab. Tikait expressed, “We will observe a ‘Black Friday’ tomorrow condoling the death of a farmer at the Khanauri Border crossing in Punjab. We held a tractor march yesterday as well.”
In addition, Tikait disclosed SKM’s intention to organize a tractor march on highways leading towards the national capital. He articulated, “On February 26, we will take tractors to the highway, and towards the way that goes to Delhi. It will be a one-day program, and then we will return. Then, all across India, our meetings will go on. On March 14, there will be a program at Ram Leela Ground in Delhi for one day. People will go without tractors to that event. The government keeps saying that they are not stopping us so let’s see if they will stop us or not.”
Rakesh Tikait, a key figure in the farmers’ protest of 2020-21 that led to the repeal of the three farm laws, underscored the persistence of their agitation. The protesting farmers have temporarily suspended their ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest march for two days to evaluate the ongoing situation on the Shambhu border in Haryana. Further decisions will be made accordingly, according to the general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee.
While expressing disapproval of the Central Government’s use of paramilitary forces against protestors, Tikait called for government accountability. In response, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda acknowledged the necessity for sustained efforts from both sides to reach a consensus. He affirmed the government’s commitment to working for the interests of farmers.
The protesting farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu border near Ambala since the start of the protest on February 13, resulting in clashes and injuries to several farmers and police personnel.