Farmer Leader Criticizes AAP Government; SKM Observes ‘Black Friday’ Following Youth’s Death
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha announced plans for tractor marches on highways on February 26, followed by a Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on March 14.
The demise of a young farmer during clashes with security forces at the interstate border of Punjab and Haryana appears to have sparked renewed momentum in the farmers’ protest. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is poised to join the agitation by observing a ‘Black Friday’ today. Rakesh Tikait, leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), stated that the SKM will also organize a tractor march on highways heading towards the national capital. This coalition, comprising over forty Indian farmers’ unions formed in 2020 to coordinate protests against the now-repealed three farm acts, has refrained from participating in the latest agitation.
On Friday, the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee criticized the Punjab government for its failure to lodge an FIR concerning the demise of the protesting youth at the Khanauri border. Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, denounced the Punjab government’s actions, describing them as an affront to the sacrifice made by the martyrs.
The farmer leader stated that discussions were underway with the Punjab Government regarding the demise of Shubhkaran Singh. All of their requests, including filing a case under Section 302 (murder) against the assailants, granting ‘martyr’ status to Shubhkaran Singh, initiating talks on compensation with his family, and forming a board for his postmortem with videography, had been acknowledged. However, despite more than 14 hours passing, the Punjab Government has yet to provide any response.
“Why is it that when trust is placed, it’s not reciprocated? There seems to be an issue with the officials, and only they are aware of the underlying problem. Currently, Shubhkaran Singh’s body remains in the hospital. The Punjab Government’s disregard for the sacrifices of our martyrs is deplorable,” remarked Pandher.
The Chief Minister of Punjab declared a compensation of ₹1 crore for the family of the victim of police firing, along with offering a government job to his sister.
Here are the latest updates from the farmers protest:
- The Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s escalated protest plan encompasses a “Jan Aakrosh” rally scheduled for Friday, followed by a nationwide tractor rally on highways on February 26, and culminating in a Mahapanchayat at Delhi’s Ramlila Ground on March 14.
- BKU leader Rakesh Tikait stated that farmers will drive their tractors onto the highway, heading towards the route leading to Delhi. The event will be a one-day affair.
- The farmers participating in the protests are anticipated to join the March 14 Mahapanchayat without their tractors. Tikait further commented, “The government repeatedly asserts that they are not hindering us, so let’s wait and see if they do indeed intervene.”
- The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has additionally requested that Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and State Home Minister Anil Vij face charges for the alleged “murder” of the protesting farmer at the Punjab-Haryana border. SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal has also demanded the resignation of Khattar and Vij.
- 5.In the meantime, the Haryana Police has issued a caution that any harm inflicted upon government or private property by protestors will result in the seizure of property and attachment of bank accounts. As per a statement from the Ambala police, the farmers’ endeavors to breach the barricade at the Shambhu Border and their actions of disrupting law and order by hurling stones have resulted in significant damage to both government and private assets.
- Numerous farmers, aiming to proceed towards the national capital, are currently stationed at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders situated between Punjab and Haryana. They are protesting to secure their demands, which encompass a legal assurance for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and the forgiveness of farm debts.
- In response to the tragic passing of a farmer identified as 21-year-old Shubkaran Singh at the Khanauri Border crossing in Punjab, the farmers suspended their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march for a period of two days to assess the situation.
- The Congress party called for a special session of Parliament to address the urgent concerns of the farmers. Additionally, the opposition party urged the Punjab government to hold a comparable session of the state assembly to address the matter.
- Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda emphasized the necessity for further efforts from both parties to achieve a consensus, despite numerous rounds of discussions with the farmers. Additionally, he reiterated the central government’s dedication to serving the welfare of farmers.
- Union Minister Anurag Thakur stated that the Centre is prepared to engage in dialogue with the protesting farmers, whom he referred to as our “brothers” and “annadaatas,” emphasizing that the Modi government has implemented several measures to enhance the income of farmers.
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