Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella organization of farm unions that led the 2020-21 farmers’ protest but is now divided, announced on Thursday that it is resuming its agitation. Which was stalled after the withdrawal of three controversial agricultural laws. However, it was indicated that SKM may not organize any march till Delhi.
The announcement, made a day after SKM’s general body meeting, coincides with the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order asking the Haryana government to lift the blockade on the Punjab-Haryana borders, which had prompted protests by Punjab protesters. Farmers were not allowed to march to Delhi. As a result, another group of farmers under the SKM (non-political) banner has been protesting at two border points on the Punjab side of the border since February.
SKM leaders have announced that they will focus on nationwide protests, especially in assembly election-bound states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Haryana. “It is not necessary to use the same method of protest every time. We will protest across the country,” said Hannan Mollah of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS).
demands
The leaders told the media that time would be sought to meet the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and MPs from both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha during July 16-18. Their aim is to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.
SKM’s general body approved a charter of demands including ensuring legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) based on the “C2+50 per cent” formula with assured procurement for all crops, and no privatization of the power sector. Including doing and not implementing. Prepaid smart meters, compensation to all families who died during the farmers’ agitation and withdrawal of all cases related to the 2020 farmers’ agitation against the (now repealed) farm laws.
The SKM has also demanded comprehensive insurance coverage for all crops, a monthly pension of ₹10,000 for all farmers and farm workers and implementation of the 2013 land acquisition law.
(TagstoTranslate)Farmers’ protest(T)Agriculture law(T)MSP(T)Privatization of power sector(T)Farmers’ compensation
