Farmers group Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) condemned the Haryana Recovery of Damages to Property during Disturbance to Public Order Bill, 2021 introduced by the state government dubbing it a tactic to “trap agitators in false cases,” said an official press release on March 16, 2021.
Calling the law a “fiasco,” leaders accused the state administration of trying to suppress the on-going farmers movement, and to trap participants in false cases. This legislation comes at a time when farmers such as Ranjeet Singh are getting bail after the Republic day incident. Singh will be released from jail on March 17.
Accordingly, the SKM termed this law as a fiasco of the Haryana government, where the public has socially boycotot even the Chief Minister of the state.
“A resolution has been passed against the farmers in the Haryana Legislative Assembly regarding the social boycott of JJP and BJP MLAs, which we strongly oppose. This is the result of the pressure created by the farmers of Haryana on the JJP and BJP MLAs,” said farmer leader Darshan Pal.
Similarly, the SKM reiterated that members have always been in favour of dialogue provided the central government removes various obstacles and opens a path for dialogue. During previous meetings, farmers clarified they would not agree to the government’s former proposal.
While farmers agitate against the three farm laws – the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance & Farm Services Act, the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act – bank employees and officers went on a total two days’ strike on March 15 and March 16 against the Centre’s move to privatise public sector banks.
Tens of thousands of workers participated in the demonstrations across India, with support from Central Trade Unions and almost all independent industrial federations. On Wednesday, General Insurance employees will observe demonstrations. During this time, farmers will meet with trade unions, transport unions and other people’s rights organisations, and chalk out a strategy for the upcoming Bharat Bandh. Later, on March 18 LIC employees will protest privatisation.
Meanwhile, the Kisan Adhikar Yatra in Odisha reached Kashipur in the Gajapati district on Monday. The Yatra is getting stronger with overwhelming support from farmers and local people, and farmers are also strengthening the movement by organising small meetings, said the SKM.
In Bihar, all seven yatras returned to Patna after visiting about 35 districts. In this series, farmers organized more than 300 meetings and travelled about 5,000 km to establish direct communication with two thousand villages and about one lakh farmers.
“It has been more than three months since this movement was started on Delhi borders. Beyond political differences, the government is also not showing basic humanity. Nearly 300 farmers have died in this movement. Road accidents have caused heavy losses to many farmers. The government should break its arrogant attitude and provide all possible help to the farmers who were martyred and injured in this movement,” said the SKM.
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