farmer Protest | SabrangIndia News Related to Human Rights Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:59:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://sabrangindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Favicon_0.png farmer Protest | SabrangIndia 32 32 Farmers protest: “The law is clear on internet suspension” Court asks state government to submit internet suspension orders https://sabrangindia.in/farmers-protest-the-law-is-clear-on-internet-suspension-court-asks-state-government-to-submit-internet-suspension-orders/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:59:43 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=33539 Punjab and Haryana Court direct both state governments to submit orders for internet suspension, enquires about post mortem report for farmer who died during the protests

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]]> As farmers convene today on February 29 to decide how the further course of their movement will continue, whether they will continue their march onwards to Delhi or stop midway, legal proceedings continue. Livelaw today reported that the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed both Punjab and Haryana governments to officially submit the “requisite” regarding the suspension of internet services amidst the ongoing farmers’ protest.

Furthermore, according to Livelaw, a bench which has Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji reportedly cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India case, and stated that “the law is very clear on suspension of internet.” The bench instructed both states to provide on record the orders for the suspension of internet services.

During the proceedings, the court also addressed two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) which were filed to have a judicial inquiry into the death of a protestor on February 21st. Justice Sandhawalia asked the Punjab government about the delay in the post-mortem report, and enquired why it took a week to conduct the examination. He also asked whether it was a natural death. As per reports, a young farmer who was named Shubh Karan Singh had died during the protests. 

Responding to the queries, the counsel for the Punjab government informed the court that as the post-mortem was conducted recently, they are still awaiting the report. The counsel also mentioned the registration of a “Zero-FIR” in the matter under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Similarly, on February 28, The Quint reported that the Punjab and Haryana High Court took up PGIMS Rohtak and expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity in the case of one Preetpal Singh, a protesting farmer. Singh was reportedly “kidnapped” by Haryana Police from the Khanauri Border on February 21st. The court was responding to a habeas corpus petition that was filed by Davinder Singh, the father of the 30-year-old injured farmer. In his petition, he had asserted that his son was taken by Haryana Police on land that comes under Punjab while he was engaging in a “peaceful protest.” The court has told the PGI Chandigarh to initiate a medical board that will evaluate the injuries on Singh who is currently hospitalised. 

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]]> Farmers protest: Death of a farmer after teargas shells dropped by Haryana cops, protests intensify as 77 SM accounts banned by MEITY/MHA https://sabrangindia.in/farmers-protest-death-of-a-farmer-after-teargas-shells-dropped-by-haryana-cops-protests-intensify-as-77-sm-accounts-banned-by-meity-mha/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:10:22 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=33360 Into a week of rigorous protests, outrage broke out among protesting farmers, as one hapless protester lost his life when a teargas shell was indiscriminately flung on all protesters; right to freedom of expression and information was curtailed with the MEITY “ban” on 177 social media accounts under directions of the MHA

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]]> Signs of the state brutality continues with both Haryana and Delhi police crossing all democratic norms to prevent farmers’ entry into the capital. The Indian Express reported the death of a farmer at the Khanauri  border at 4.16 p.m.

In its defence, a woman officer from the Haryana police was seen on social media alleging that the farmer protesters surrounded the police from all sides by pouring chilli powder in the stubble, attacked the policemen using sticks and maces along with stone pelting at Khanauri border. Around 12 policemen were seriously injured. Appeal to the protesters for peace, the police added.

Meanwhile, the All India Kisan Union (AIKS) has condoled the Death of Farmer Shubh Karan Singh in Police Action and demanded the dismissal of the police personnel responsible for the brutality. The AIKS has also called for nationwide protests.

Some reports suggest that after being left down by what they dubbed as a fraudulent offer by government, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Arjun Munda on Wednesday again invited the farmer leaders for discussion on the MSP demand, crop diversification, stubble issue.

In a desperate attack indicative of the panic in government, the Union fovernment temporarily blocks 177 social media accounts, web links. The orders were issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on February 14 and 19 at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs under section 69A of the IT Act

PTI reported that the government has ordered temporary blocking of around 177 social media accounts and web links that are linked to the farmers’ protest, according to sources. The orders were issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on February 14 and 19 at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs under section 69A of the IT Act.

“The orders have been issued to temporarily block 177 social media accounts and web links to maintain law and order on request of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” the source said.

Links and accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and some other social media platforms have been ordered to be blocked. These accounts can be restored after the farmers’ agitation is over, the source added.

At midday on Wednesday, the DIG of Patiala Range, HS Bhullar told the media on Wednesday said that the Haryana Police used 14 tear gas shells without any provocation as the farmers began their march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border. Bhullar said that has registered his protest with the Haryana Police regarding the same.

Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, while speaking to farmers at the Shambhu border, said “You stay behind.. we shall lead the march. Let’s stop the machines and we shall walk.”

Earlier in the day, the Punjab and Haryana High Court refused to accept a plea by the Haryana government over farmers using heavy equipment ahead of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march. “Politics is happening all over. Why didn’t Punjab stop these machines/protestors earlier? Courts are being used,” HC said while refusing the hearing. The Haryana government approached the High Court again on Wednesday, seeking directions to prevent farmers from moving ahead with their modified earth-moving equipment which pose security concerns in Haryana.

While addressing the media early this morning, farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Dallewal urged the government to remove the barricades at the Shambhu border so the could march peacefully to Delhi and said that they were “ready to die in the interest of the nation.”

Protesting farmers are demanding that a Special Session of Parliament should be called to formulate MSP law, says Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) president. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan and General Secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan, stated that a special session of Parliament should be called to formulate laws ensuring the guaranteed purchase of crops through MSP for all 23 crops. Farmers demand a peaceful resolution of the ongoing struggle, rejecting the aggressive measures of the central government to suppress the democratic voice of the protesting farmers, they said in a statement issued this afternoon.

Barricading Delhi for #FarmersProtests

Shocking reports of how Haryana and Delhi Police had geared up for the farmers’ march to Delhi, barricading at borders, provisions to block roads. On Tuesday, the Gurgaon Police arrested under section Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) Section(s) 107/151, and later released 38 farmers for violating orders under CrPC Section 144 in the state, after Manesar farmers called for a march towards Delhi. They were later released.

The Indian Expres reported in detail, multiple layers of barricading at borders with Haryana, provisions to block the road at Ghazipur border with Uttar Pradesh if the need arises — these are some of the measures the Delhi Police is keeping in place ahead of the scheduled march of farmers towards Delhi from Punjab on Wednesday morning following their rejection of the Centre’s five-year minimum support price (MSP) proposal.

On the march scheduled for Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Mayank Gupta said that four law and order companies are ready with riot gear to restrict any movement and control disturbance. “But we are not expecting any disruption here. We are coordinating with the DCPs of South and Southwest Delhi along with those in the neighbouring districts of Gurgaon,” Gupta said, adding that there were no restrictions on traffic or any route diversion.

At the Panipat-Sonipat border, at least 400 officers along with two companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and one of Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed, along with the installment of water cannons, barricades, and concrete barriers to prevent the protesters from marching towards the national capital. Other media reports in Indian Express  and Telegraph stated that the Gurgaon Police, meanwhile, has deployed officers at all its key borders including the Rajokri border on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Rewari, Pataudi-Jhajjar, Farrukhnagar-Jhajjar and Nuh borders. “Adequate force is on standby round the clock, and Gurgaon has not been affected by the protests so far, but we have enough officers deployed to prevent any untoward incident along the borders,” said an officer, requesting anonymity.

In Gautam Buddha Nagar, officials said that farmers would be given space from the Yamuna Expressway’s zero point to Surajpur collectorate, where farmers will line up on one side with their tractors.


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Farmers Protest: Union proposes contractual MSP for 5 years for three pulse crops, maize, and cotton, no law on MSP; farmer union to decide

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Day 4 of Farmer Protest: Excessive state force at protestors leads to death of elderly farmer, first death to be reported as of now

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Day 3 of Farmers’ Protest: More than 100 farmers injured by rubber bullets, solidarity protests by BKU and SKM in Punjab

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Farmers’ Protest: Physical repression, prohibitory orders, Delhi entry blocked – Déjà Vu?

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]]> Bharat Bandh: Nationwide strike by farmers sees highways blocked, toll plazas opened up, rallies held https://sabrangindia.in/bharat-bandh-nationwide-strike-by-farmers-sees-highways-blocked-toll-plazas-opened-up-rallies-held/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:43:32 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=33212 The call for the strike had been raised by SKM and trade unions to support the ongoing ‘Chalo Delhi’ protest by farmers, highlight the unfulfilled promises of the union government

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]]> A call to hold a sectoral industrial strike and a ‘Grameen Bharat Bandh’ on February 16 had been given by several farmer organisations and unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) with the aim of pressing the Modi-led union government to deliver on their promise to bring in a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) and to support the protesting farmers being prevented by the Haryana government from reaching Delhi.  The SKM (non-political) had urged all like-minded farmers’ organisations to unite and take part in the said Bharat Bandh.

In addition to supporting the demands being raised by the farmers participating in the ‘Chalo Delhi’ protest, which include a law on MSP, justice for the victims for Lakhimpur Kheri violence, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, the farmers participating in the nation-wide Bandh are also raising their demands. As per Kirti Kisan Union leader Karmjeet Singh, the demands being raised through this strike includes “the repeal of four labour codes, to double the days under MNREGA to 200, and to cancel the hit-and-run law. The whole country and Punjab is one and it’s supporting the ‘Bharat Bandh.” 

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also participated in the nationwide strike to show his support and stated “The road has not been blocked in Muzzafarnagar, the route has been diverted. This (Grameen Bharat Bandh call) will continue till 2-3 pm. Tomorrow, a monthly panchayat is in Sisoli (village in UP’s Meerut) where the future course of action will be decided.”

Visuals from February 16 shows farmers and trade union from many parts of the country successfully holding this day long protest, which began at 6 am continued till 4 pm. According to a report by The Indian Express, farmers planned join massive chakka jams on main roads nationwide, closing most of the state and national highways. Notably, essential services such as the purchase and supply of vegetables and grains also remained suspended, along with village shops, agricultural activities, rural works, and MNREGA works are urged to be closed. Grain markets, rural industrial and private sector entities, and vegetable markets were not opened today at many places during the bandh. 

In Jind, Haryana farmers and labourers gathered and demonstrated in the market

Rajasthan also saw tractors in thousands being lined up in support of the strike.

With the farmers taking over the Saini Majra Toll on Ambala-Kaithal Highway and being freed for three hours, traffic was allowed to be passed without toll.

A similar visual also emerged from Kurukshetra Highway, with the toll being freed for three hours to show support to the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest.

Trade Unions in Odisha’s Rourkela also joined in on the ‘Bharat Bandh’ protest.

Zirakpur-Banur highway was also blocked by the farmers

Buses remaining parked at the bus stand in Amritsar could be seen in view of the protesting farmers calling Bharat Bandh.

A video of a bake rally being taken out in Karnal by All India Kisan Sabha in support of the protesting farmers also went viral on social media.

Protest was also held in a market in Shimla

A rally named ‘Rasta Roko’ was also taken out in Greater Noida

Tamil Nadu saw a massive protest in support of the protest

A rally of majority of women could be seen being taken out at Vasai, Palghar district of Maharashtra 

This call for the nationwide strike by SKM was also supported by public intellectuals and artists, who had issued a joint statement condoning the said call. 

Meanwhile, one day after the three union ministers had assured the farmer leaders of a ceasefire from the government side while the talks between the two parties were taking place, more visuals of tear gas and rubber pellets being fired at the protests farmers surfaced. Today itself, a death was reported from the protest site allegedly due to inhaling of the tear gas.

Related:

Day 4 of Farmer Protest: Excessive state force at protestors leads to death of elderly farmer, first death to be reported as of now

Day 3 of Farmers’ Protest: More than 100 farmers injured by rubber bullets, solidarity protests by BKU and SKM in Punjab

Farmers Protest: Braving tear gas, blockades, state obstructions, farmers journey towards Delhi to demand law on MSP

Farmers’ Protest: Physical repression, prohibitory orders, Delhi entry blocked – Déjà Vu?

Farmer leaders detained in Madhya Pradesh, made to sit at police stations, saw police raids at night- attempts to stop farmers from joining protest intensify

Two journalists seriously injured amid Farmers’ Protests, DUJ condemns police action, ask for farmers demands to be settled

Protesting farmers spend Basant Panchami facing government’s water cannons and tear gases’ government withholds social media accounts of farm leaders, journalists

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]]> Protesting farmers spend Basant Panchami facing government’s water cannons and tear gases’ government withholds social media accounts of farm leaders, journalists https://sabrangindia.in/protesting-farmers-spend-basant-panchami-facing-governments-water-cannons-and-tear-gases-government-withholds-social-media-accounts-of-farm-leaders-journalists/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:50:33 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=33154 Haryana police uses drones to throw tear gas at farmers, Daughter of Professor MS Swaminathan requests government to not treat farmers like criminals while celebrating the Bharat Ratna awarded to her father

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]]> “Don’t treat farmers like they are criminals” said Dr. Madhura Swaminathan, Economist and daughter of Professor MS Swaminathan, while celebrating the conferring of Bharat Ratna award to her father, who was a global leader and an agricultural scientist. The said request was made in reference to the excessive and unjustified state action being taken against the farmers who are participating in the farmers march to Delhi to demand for a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for their produce along with six other demands. Ironically, one of the demands raised by the protesting farmers is for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations that provided for safeguarding the interest of small farmers and addressing the issue of increasing risk overtaking agriculture as a profession. 

In her interview, Dr. Madhura Swaminathan could be further heard saying that “Today, the farmers of Punjab are marching to Delhi. There are jails being prepared, there are barricades and all kinds of things in place to prevent them. These are farmers, they are not criminals. I request all of you, the leading scientists of India, we must talk to our Annadatas (food providers). We cannot treat them as criminals. We have to find solutions, please, this is my request that if we have to continue to honour MS Swaminathan, we have to take the farmers with us in whatever strategy we are planning for the future.”

Hopefully, the ones who conferred this prestigious award to Professor MS Swaminathan will also hear the pleadings of his daughter and take back the repressive and unjust tactics being employed against the unarmed farmers exercising their right to protest.  

The struggle to march to Delhi by farmers continues

Since yesterday, visuals of tear gas, water cannons and rubber pellets being fired at the protesting farmers have been surfacing from the Shambu border of Haryana. Even today, videos show the Haryana police relentlessly targeting the protesting farmers, fully determined to prevent the farmers from being able to reach the national capital. A report by the Hindu stated that the Haryana Police became the first police force in India to use drones to launch tear gas devices with the Haryana Police dropping tear gas shells from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) on protesting farmers at Shambhu Barrier on the Punjab-Haryana boundary. As per the report, a police official has stated that the State government used drones made by Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA), a public limited company incorporated in 2021. Interestingly, according to a Haryana government press release of April 4, 2023, the said drones had been designed for “surveying infrastructure projects, monitoring of agriculture and horticulture crops, and surveillance of sensitive areas for security purposes.” As per the report of the Hindu, the company is located at Karnal. 

Visuals of farmers flying kites at the border in attempts to tackle the drones have surfaced on social media. Ironically, the festival of Basant Panchami also falls today, on February 14. This festival is supposed to be joyfully celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus to mark the beginning of spring. The ones celebrating the festival wear yellow-coloured clothes to emulate the bright yellow mustard flowers in the fields. This year, the farmers had to spend it facing the state’s unjust display of power.

On February 14, a press note was also sent by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) to media personnel and others through which they have condemned the violent repression unleashed on farmers marching to Delhi at Shanbhu Border and other places. In the press note, the AIKS had stated “The use of drones to throw teargas, the concrete barricades, rubber bullets, huge iron spikes on the roads and the indiscriminate arrests of farmers and leaders exposes the barbaric face of the BJP Government led by Narendra Modi. The use of drones to drop tear gas on farmers shows the extreme vengeance that this BJP Government holds for the farmers of our country. AIKS warns the BJP Government to desist from such attacks on democratic right to protest. AIKS will join in unity with all democratic forces as well as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions to resist such repressive measures. AIKS demands release of all arrested leaders and end repression.”

Along with this, the AIKS had called for the farmers to re-double their efforts in the upcoming protest of February 16 where the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which had super headed the previous one year long farmers protest against the three controversial farm laws, have collaborated with ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) to hold a rural and industrial strike.

The press note states “AIKS calls upon all its units to redouble efforts to rally farmers and workers as well as all democratic sections on 16th February across the country by also prominently taking a campaign on the repression unleashed along with other issues of the struggle. The incessant protests by farmers and workers are a result of repeated betrayals by Narendra Modi and the BJP Government. The move by the BJP Government to unleash violence on farmers is a sign of desperation. It is a clear sign that their divisive efforts of communal polarisation are being rebuffed by the farmers, workers and masses of our country. Its efforts to divert attention from people’s problems and livelihood issues, unemployment, poverty, hunger through communal polarisation and hate campaign is clearly failing. It is their sense of fear of the people’s unity that they are reacting in such a manner.”

‘X’ (formerly Twitter) accounts of those posting on the farmers protest withheld

As per multiple media reports, over a dozen social media accounts of farmer leaders and those posting updates on the farmer protests have been withheld by ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). As per a report of The Wire, X and Facebook accounts that were allegedly functioning as the official pages of farmers’ organisations and unions ahead of their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest have been withheld in India – ostensibly upon government request.

It is pertinent to highlight here that the blocking of the social media accounts of farmers began even before their protest did. As per the report of the Wire, accounts of farmers were withheld on February 12. This ban on social media accounts is in addition to the prohibition on internet services as well as bulk SMS services being in place in seven districts of Haryana since February 11. 

Till now, X accounts and Facebook pages of prominent farmer leaders like Sarvan Singh Pandher, the coordinator of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), Tejveer Singh Ambala, the spokesperson of BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), farmer leader Ramandeep Singh Mann, Surjit Singh Phull from BKU Krantikari, farmer leader Harpal Sangha, Ashok Danoda from Haryana and many others have been withheld. As per multiple media reports including the Wire, official pages which supported the movement and posted updates on it, like @Tractor2twitr_P run by Bhavjit Singh, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) and Progressive Farmers Front, run by Guramneet Singh Mangat have also been banned. Notably, BKU (SBS) is one of the main farmer unions which was leading the farmers’ protest from Ambala, Haryana.

‘Gaon Sawera’, a page run by independent journalist Mandeep Punia has been withheld, as has been Mandeep’s personal page. Mandeep is a prominent name supporting the farmers’ protest and had been arrested in 2020.  Garvit Garg, another journalist from Gaon Savera is not providing frequent updates from the farmers protest.

It is important to highlight here that this is not the first time that the government of India has abused their powers and opaquely withholding social media accounts as even during earlier farmers’ protest of 2020, the Union government had banned many social media accounts including the official page of Kisan Ekta Morcha.

Related:

Section 144 order set aside in Calcutta High Court, no such relief by Punjab and Haryana High Court in farmer’s protest

Farmers Protest: Braving tear gas, blockades, state obstructions, farmers journey towards Delhi to demand law on MSP

Farmers’ Protest: Physical repression, prohibitory orders, Delhi entry blocked – Déjà Vu?

Farmer leaders detained in Madhya Pradesh, made to sit at police stations, saw police raids at night- attempts to stop farmers from joining protest intensify

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]]> Farmers Protest: Braving tear gas, blockades, state obstructions, farmers journey towards Delhi to demand law on MSP https://sabrangindia.in/farmers-protest-braving-tear-gas-blockades-state-obstructions-farmers-journey-towards-delhi-to-demand-law-on-msp/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:59:59 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=33125 Solidarity for the protesting farers facing unjustified and unproportional state action pours in from Tamil Nadu, farm leaders stand firm by the protest being a protest by all farmers

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]]> On the morning of February 13, the farmers began with their march towards the national capital to participate in the Farmers’ march to demand for a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for their produce along with six other demands, which include implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations that provide for safeguarding the interest of small farmers and addressing the issue of increasing risk overtaking agriculture as a profession, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and “justice” for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence also form a part of the demands made. A demand for 200 days’ daily wage and Rs 700 per daily wage for MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) workers also form a part of their demands. 

But, for those who began their march in northern Haryana and Punjab states, the journey to reach Delhi will be not easy as extensive attempts to stop the farmers are being made by the state and union governments. Visuals from the Haryana border have been surfacing since the morning, showcasing the repressive tactics being used by the Haryana government, including tear gas, water cannons and even rubber pellets, while stopping the farmers from joining their peaceful march and exercise their right to protest. As was reported yesterday, Haryana police had sealed multiple entry points into the capital with barriers of giant metal containers, barbed wire, spikes and cement blocks and had even suspended internet service and bulk SMS services in some districts of Haryana state. 

Today, the Haryana police indulged in dropping tear gas canisters on the protesting farmers from a drone at one of the border points in northern Haryana state that leads to New Delhi. Pictures emerged on social media that showed thick clouds of tear gas being used to disperse the farmers near the city of Ambala.

Here are some visual from the ground. These visuals show protestors being detained by the police. 

The farmers could be seen braving through these state tactics of suppression.

The unjustified usage of such state actions against unarmed farmers was unproportional as the farmers and the leaders of the farmers union kept reiterating their objective of peacefully protesting for their demands. Sarvan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee told ANI news agency that “We will move peacefully and our objective is that the government listens to our demands.”

He additionally said “We do not want to break any barricades. We want a resolution of our issues through dialogue. But if they (the government) do nothing, then what will we do? It is our compulsion.” 

A video of Pandher can be viewed here:

A group of Tamil Nadu farmers in Trichy also lent support to ‘Delhi Chalo’ farmers’ protest. These farmers could be seen sitting on a road and exercising their right to protest and show solidarity freely and without any state interference. In a video, farmer leader P Ayyakannu can be heard saying, “As per the Constitution, we can move freely within the country for our rights but the police are not allowing farmers to protest in Delhi. If PM Modi contests from any constituency in Tamil Nadu in the coming elections, then farmers will file nomination against him from that constituency.”

His video can be viewed here:

Bharatiya Kisan Union president and Farmer leader Naresh Tikait also showed his solidarity and support with the protesting farmers, urging for the Modi-led union government to hold talks with the farmers, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s “stubborn approach” is proving to be dangerous. He stated that “Protests are underway in the entire country…The government should sit with us and hold discussions and give respect to the farmers. Government should think about this issue and try to solve this.” The BKU also chief wondered whether the farmers will always be in the agitation mode, blocking roads or heading towards Delhi.

His video can be viewed here:

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait also extended his support for the protesting farmers and said that if the BJP-led Haryana government or the Union government tried to create problems for these farmers then he is not far from them and could join the protest anytime.

“MSP guarantee law and Swaminathan Committee report, Electricity amendment bill and debt waiver are the issues of the farmers across the country. There are several farmer unions and they have different issues. If the government creates a problem for these farmers who are marching towards Delhi, we are not far from them. We are in support of them,” Rakesh Tikait could be heard telling ANI. 

His video can be viewed here:

Related:

Farmers’ Protest: Physical repression, prohibitory orders, Delhi entry blocked – Déjà Vu?

Farmer leaders detained in Madhya Pradesh, made to sit at police stations, saw police raids at night- attempts to stop farmers from joining protest intensify

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]]> UP: Farmers Remind PM Modi of His Promises, Warn of Delhi-like Protest in Entire Country https://sabrangindia.in/farmers-remind-pm-modi-his-promises-warn-delhi-protest-entire-country/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 05:02:26 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2022/11/28/farmers-remind-pm-modi-his-promises-warn-delhi-protest-entire-country/ SKM, an umbrella body of farmers’ unions, which spearheaded the one-year-long agitation against the farm laws, has also called a general body meeting on December 8 to decide the future course of the movement.

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]]> Photo
Photo by Abdul Alim Jafri

Lucknow: Meera and Shiv Baran from the Bamhna Kherda village in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district started their road trip towards the state capital Lucknow on November 25 with a torn blanket, a worn-out sweater and an unshaken resolve. “We will not tolerate the breach of promises anymore,” they said.

After spending six hours in a cramped tempo with 17 others, Meera and her friends finally got the chance to stretch out their legs and wrap themselves in a thick blanket after landing in Lucknow.

“Ye sarkar apna wada bhi nahi nibhati hai. Sirf ghareebon ko jhootha sapna dikhati hai (The government does not fulfil its promises; it only gives false hopes to the poor),” distraught Meera told NewsClick.

Groups of farmers with their colourful flags, many of them on tractors, in buses and open pickups started reaching the Eco Garden in Lucknow at dawn on Saturday. They had come to join the ‘Mazdoor-Kisan Mahapanchayat’ to mark two years since they launched their agitation against the now-repealed three farm laws. By afternoon, the crowds swelled with farmers coming from Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Deoria, Ballia, Azamgarh, Hardoi, Faizabad, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, Meerut, Bijnor, and Muzaffarnagar. They alleged a breach of assurance given by the Centre on their pending demands.

A massive crowd gathered on Saturday for a farmers’ Mahapanchayat or a meeting called by Samyukta Kisan Morch (SKM), where leaders including Hannan Mollah, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait, and Mukut Singh, state general secretary of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) were spotted on the stage. Apart from these, representatives of Kisan Sabha, Jai Kisan Andolan, Krantikari Kisan Union and Bhartiya Kisan Shramik Janshakti Union were among the speakers.

Accusing PM Narendra Modi-led NDA government of betraying farmers and not fulfilling most of their demands, SKM leader Hannan Mollah said that the Modi government is a “traitor”. “The government has proved it is a traitor who has cheated the farmers. At the time of scrapping three agri laws, (they) had made a commitment to set up a committee to give legal shape to the minimum support price, withdraw all criminal cases registered against farmers, release tractors and other vehicles impounded during the agitation and take action against the guilty involved in the massacre of farmers at Lakhimpur Kheri. They are protecting the corporates. They have proved they have no intention of fulfilling our demands,” the SKM leader told NewsClick.

“Unfortunately, none of these promises have been fulfilled. The government has refused to grant the status of martyrs to more than 700 farmers killed during the year-long agitation,” he said, adding that this time, not only will Delhi be an epicentre of farmers’ protest but the entire country will witness the agitation.

SKM, an umbrella body of farmers’ unions, which spearheaded the one-year-long agitation against the farm laws, has also called a general body meeting on December 8 to decide the future course of the movement.

It was on November 26, 2020, that SKM had launched the one-year-long March to Delhi protest.

Other longstanding demands by the farmers include raising the sugarcane price to Rs 500 per quintal, prohibiting action against farmers for burning crop residue, providing free electricity to farmers, dismissing and arresting Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ for his alleged involvement in the Lakhimpur violence, lifting the tractor-trolley ban, measures to control stray cattle menace. and compensating farmers for crop damage caused by unseasonal rains.

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, while addressing the gathering, appealed to the peasants to learn to operate “Twitter and Tractor” as they both will help to fight the government.

Tikait further said, “Badshah (Modi) says that there will be development in 2047. But by then all the farmers will have lost our land. The freedom struggle lasted for 90 years; it was a more dangerous period than this. But if the farmers do not get alert, history will repeat as we are living under an undeclared emergency where both pen and camera are guarded by guns.”

The BKU leader also pointed to the high-handedness of the police in Azamgarh, Jewar in the name of airport expansion.

“In 2005, the Bihar government by ending the mandis system (market yards regulated by the government) in the state, ruined the farmers there and the peasants are selling paddy at only Rs 800 per quintal. Similarly, the government destroyed the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir. Apple growers are in dire straits. Furthermore, whether it is Jewar Airport, Azamgarh or Lucknow, farmers’ lands are being acquired without their consent,” Tikait told NewsClick on the sideline of the Kisan Mahapanchayat.

Gunja Pati and Kausalya from Jigina Karampur in Azamgarh district along with hundreds of others under the banner of ‘Makan Bachao Khet Bachao Sanyukta Morcha (Save houses and farms)’, travelled to Lucknow in the fear of losing their houses, livelihood, and farmland after the announcement of a proposed expansion of Mandauri airstrip in Khiriya Ka Bagh, near Jamua Hariram.

Gunja, who owns eight biswa, and Kausalya, who is the owner of two, told NewsClick that they came to Lucknow hoping that their plight would be heard from a big plat platform. “My husband is a daily wage labourer and earns Rs 250 daily. Whatever we have is our one roof and the small patch of land to survive. But if this government snatches that from us, we will die. The fear of losing land brought us here,” the duo told NewsClick.

Paryesh Nisad, a youth who claimed to have run away, hidden from the district administration, and taken a kutcha road to reach Lucknow, told NewsClick, “A day before yesterday, the district administration with cops barged into our houses so that we don’t participate in the Lucknow protest. They (police) threatened us with dire consequences if we joined the protest,” he told NewsClick, adding that police also took pictures of whoever came to Lucknow.

Azamgarh
Photo by Abdul Alim Jafri

Radhe Shyam of Hasanpur village said, “We are poor people and we cannot fight with this powerful government. What we want is only our land and the government should shift the airport somewhere else.”

The proposal aims to expand the Azamgarh airstrip to an international airport under the UDAN scheme. The project will displace about 10,000 people from around 600 acres covering eight villages: Hasanpur, Kadipur Harikesh, Jamua Hariram, Jamua Jolha, Gadanpur Chindan Patti, Manduri Jigina Karampur, and Jehra Pipri. The villagers are unwilling to give up their land and livelihoods tied to the land.

Courtesy: Newsclick

The post UP: Farmers Remind PM Modi of His Promises, Warn of Delhi-like Protest in Entire Country appeared first on SabrangIndia.

]]> Farmers protest resume on Vishwasghat Diwas https://sabrangindia.in/farmers-protest-resume-vishwasghat-diwas/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:25:44 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2022/01/31/farmers-protest-resume-vishwasghat-diwas/ Following an overwhelming response on Monday, SKM resolved to resume protests with fresh plans for Mission Uttar Pradesh

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The overwhelming response to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s (SKM) call for ‘Vishvasghat Diwas’ (Betrayal Day) dismissed all questions of whether the farmers’ movement had ended following the clearing of Delhi border protest sites.

On January 31, 2022, farmers across India marched together towards their local administrative office to submit the memorandum listing the various fronts on which the central government failed its peasantry.Addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind, the memorandum was submitted the day the Economic Survey 2021-22 was tabled and on the eve of the Union Budget 2022.

Speaking on the central and state governments betrayal, it said, “Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary Sanjay Agarwal wrote a letter to the SKM on December 9, 2021, in which he gave assurances on behalf of the government on some issues and appealed to withdraw the movement. On the basis of this written assurance, we decided to suspend the morcha at Delhi borders and various other protests from December 11.”

However, more than a month since vacating the premises, leaders saw that the Centre had made no efforts to fulfil any of its assurances. In response to this, farmers across India observed Vishwasghat Diwas (Day of Betrayal) on Monday.

Farmers protest

Farmers protest

Farmers protest

Listing each promise of the government, farmer leaders reminded that cases filed against farmers were to be withdrawn with immediate effect.

“Consent to withdraw the case has been given by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. … It is agreed by related departments and agencies of the Government of India to withdraw all the agitation related cases registered against the protesters and supporters in all the Union Territories including Delhi with immediate effect,” said the December document.

However, none of the stated governments moved to withdraw the cases. Instead, the SKM legal cell received news about court summons in these cases. Only the Haryana government completed some paperwork and issued orders to withdraw the case. This work is incomplete.

Farmers protest

Farmers protest

Farmers protest

Similarly, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments had in-principle consented to compensate families of farmers who were martyred during the movement. Yet, both state governments failed to announce compensation or the nature of the compensation.

Another prominent promise was concerning Minimum Support Price (MSP). The government promised the formation of a committee that ensured MSP to farmers. Despite promises, this committee neither announced the formation of the committee, nor gave any information about the nature of the committee and its mandate.

In the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre case, they reiterated the need to suspend Minister of State Ajay Mishra especially after the SIT report affirming the charge of pre-planned conspiracy.

“On the other hand, the Uttar Pradesh Police is active in implicating and arresting the farmers accused in this incident,” said the SKM.

Moreover, farmers accused the government of furthering their “anti-farmer agenda” through negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with Australia that threatened the existence of dairy farmers. Similarly, amendments to the Biological Diversity Act 2002 is an invitation to biopiracy of the farmers’ wealth.

Farmers protest

Farmers protest

“GM [Genetically-modified] food is being allowed through backdoor entry by making new regulations governing the FSSAI. Efforts are being made to cut down on the purchase of the crop with the new quality standard brought in by the FCI,” said the SKM.

In light of this, leaders appealed to Kovind to protect farmers who helped the country become self-sufficient in food grains through huge efforts despite the Covid-19 lockdown and economic slowdown.

Protests resume

By Monday evening, the SKM announced farmers will resume their agitation because the government reneged on its promises. Earlier in the day, lakhs of farmers demonstrated across India to show their solidarity with this decision.

In thousands of districts, farmers marched, burned effigies in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tripura among other states.

As per previous declarations, the SKM also announced the start of Mission Uttar Pradesh campaign across the state to “punish and defeat” BJP in state elections.

“The new phase of the Mission will be announced with a press conference on February 3,” said the SKM.

Related:

Farmers still facing charges from last Republic Day parade
Sign the RODA Act and curb farmer suicides: SKM to Rajasthan Governor
Lakhimpur Kheri killings: SIT files chargesheet against farmers!
SKM demands Centre come through on its promises
Punjab: PM Modi’s convoy blocked by protesters

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]]> Farewells, tears, hugs and promises to stay in touch, farmers head homewards https://sabrangindia.in/farewells-tears-hugs-and-promises-stay-touch-farmers-head-homewards/ Sat, 11 Dec 2021 12:45:17 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2021/12/11/farewells-tears-hugs-and-promises-stay-touch-farmers-head-homewards/ Tents are being folded up, stages dismantled; police may soon remove barricades from farmers’ protest sites

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It is surreal to see the borders of Delhi slowly bid farewell to lakhs of farmers, who had come here, over a year ago, to begin one of the most unique peaceful protests seen in recent times.

They had arrived on the same roads from November-December 2020 and had reached here braving water cannons, lathi charges, blocked roads and ditches dug by state governments, especially in Haryana. Today, on December 11, 2021, the farmers protest  has been suspended and thousands are now taking the same roads back home from each border site. However this time, there was music, dance, celebration, showers of flower petals and sweets being distributed along the way. There were warm hugs, tears of parting, and promises to stay in touch too,

Cheering them on are common people of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, who say they have seen history being written by the farmers who came from these three states, as well as Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, South India, West Bengal and more. There was a massive victory and farewell rally at Sikri kisan chowk by All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), and celebrations on other borders too. 

The farmers began collecting their belongings, and wrapping up the ‘homes’ they had built to brave the scorching summers, torrential rains, and bitter Delhi winters a day ago. Many hauled the temporary structures they had built onto tractor trolleys and headed out homewards on Saturday.

“Victory of good over evil… this is a suspension… the protest is not over,” say scores of farmers, talking to media, and independent video content creators. Even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to cancel the three laws, the farmers had stayed put at protest sites, citing their other demands, and have now suspended the protest once the government sent the formal letter of acceptance.

Farmers camping at Delhi’s Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders started their celebrations and victory march to celebrate the landmark victory after a 15-month agitation that forced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government to withdraw three contentious farm laws. Many took out tractor marches, padyatras, mini rallies, all met with great enthusiasm by locals of the areas they passed through. Many of these locals had also visited the protest to volunteer, or just listen to the farmers and share their views.

 

Farmers who had camped at the three Delhi borders for over a year, had also braved a massive attempt, amplified by pro-government media, to brand them “terrorists” and “khalistanis”, and say that they are unlikely to forget that, espcially when they cast votes in the states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. 

According to Rakesh Tikait, the face of the farmers’ protest at Ghazipur border, the farmers are heading back and the entire process of vacating the border will take a couple of days. He said he will only leave when the last farmer is safely on his way home. Other leaders too were at the respective borders participating in the celebrations. However, the farmers, and the leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is spearheading the protest movement have been clear that they are closely watching the Government’s next moves. 

The government has agreed to drop all police cases against farmers, including stubble burning complaints and those filed by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police following clashes with protesters. They will also keep an eye on the Kisan Morcha’s demand for compensation for the deaths of over 700 farmers during the protest. States of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have given an “in-principle approval” after Punjab announced the compensation. However the farmers are likely to keep the pressure on, especially in the election bound states.

These are the demands of the farmers:

  1. Withdrawal of all the agitation-related cases registered during this protest in all states and Union territories, or under central government agencies, etc.

  2. Compensation to all the families of the agitating farmers who died during the course of the protest.

  3. No criminal liability to farmers in the cases of stubble burning.

  4. The government has to discuss the Electricity Amendment Bill with the SKM or with other farmers’ unions before bringing it up in Parliament.

  5. A committee to discuss minimum support price (MSP) is to be formed; the SKM will list out their members in the panel and provide it to the farmers.

  6. The ongoing policy on MSP and its procurement in the country will continue as it is.

“This is not the end… this is a pause… will return if promises not fulfilled,” was the common refrain heard from many farmers, as they bid farewell to Delhi and headed home, back to their families and farms. 

Farewell
 

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Farewell

Related

Jai Kisan! Farmers hope to reap the fruits of the struggles they have undergone
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Centre refuses compensation to martyred farmers claiming it has “no record”
SKM decries Centre’s tyranny in disallowing debate on farm laws
Parliament repeals farm laws sans discussion, but what’s next?

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]]> Jai Kisan! Farmers hope to reap the fruits of the struggles they have undergone https://sabrangindia.in/jai-kisan-farmers-hope-reap-fruits-struggles-they-have-undergone/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 11:26:54 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2021/12/09/jai-kisan-farmers-hope-reap-fruits-struggles-they-have-undergone/ Lakhs of farmers call off the over year-long protests as government sends a formal letter agreeing to their demands; farmers' leaders will hold a review meet on January 15

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Image Courtesy:timesofindia.indiatimes.com

The farmers protest ended as the Union Government sent the formal letter that puts on record its acceptance of the farmer demands. On December 8, the umbrella body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders had given its general approval of the draft document sent by the central government. The over a year long farmers’ struggle was formally concluded on December 9, and the victory has been dedicated to over 700 farmers who lost their lives in the duration of the massive protest that was being watched closely the world over.

Tents will slowly be wound up at all sites at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur on the Delhi-Haryana, Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border. However the actual return homewards will begin on December 11, with a “fateh march” a victory march. Farmers groups have also planned to visit the Golden temple on December 13. However, the SKM will  meet again in Delhi on January 15 to review the progress of their demands.

The farmers of India, have with this unique protest, shown that it is the united citizen that can make the most hardened political parties and government agree to just demands. They remain conscious that the Centre accepting all their demands is also at a time when many states are going to polls in 2022. The farmers standing tall as one unit, has also in its own way been recognised as a political powerbank that can have an impact.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) – the umbrella body of farmers’ unions spearheading the protests – had already said last evening that their 14-month agitation will be called off at 12pm on Thursday, “only after they receive the final copy of the government’s revised proposal accepting their demands.

The following were the demands of the protesting farmers:

1. Withdrawal of all the agitation-related cases registered during this protest in all states and Union territories, or under central government agencies, etc.

2. Compensation to all the families of the agitating farmers who died during the course of agitation.

3. No criminal liability to farmers in the cases of stubble burning.

4. The government has to discuss the Electricity Amendment Bill with the SKM or with other farmers’ unions before bringing it up in Parliament.

5. A committee to discuss minimum support price (MSP) is to be formed; the SKM will list out their members in the panel and provide it to the farmers.

6. The ongoing policy on MSP and its procurement in the country will continue as it is.

A consensus to call off the farmers’ protests was reached after the central government agreed to take back all cases registered during the farm agitation and for stubble burning. According to the farmers, the government has also assured that it will table the Electricity Amendment Bill only after consultation with the SKM or relevant farmers’ unions. Election bound Uttar Pradesh government, followed the Punjab government and agreed to provide a compensation of ₹5 lakh and a job to the kin of deceased farmers, as did Haryana government. The demand to include only SKM leaders in the MSP committee – apart from officials from the states, Centre, and agricultural experts – has also been met.

Earlier, the farmers were also demanding that Union minister Ajay Mishra, whose son Ashish has been tried in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, be sacked. However, judging by the last demand proposal sent to the Centre, the SKM’s five-member panel had removed that point.

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Joginder Ugrahan told the media that an “unconditional withdrawal of all police cases lodged against protesters during the agitation,” was mentioned in the letter received. The SKM will celebrate this massive victory on December 11, as ‘Vijay Diwas’ (victory day) will be celebrated at all borders, toll plazas, and protest sites across the country, following which the protesters will return. There will be no celebrations today or tomorrow in view of the chopper crash yesterday in which 13 lives were lost.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on November 19, that the central government will bring necessary bills in the winter session of Parliament to repeal the farm laws. Parliament then passed the Farm Laws Repeal Bill on the first day of the winter session on November 29 and after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent, the process of repealing the three farm laws was complete.

Over 700 farmers have lost their lives since the protesting against the farm laws began on various borders of Delhi on November 26, 2020.

Must see: Kranti ka Naqsha: Mapping a year of the Kisan Andolan

With a year’s worth of mass mobilisations, India’s farmers have lived up to India’s democratic history while uniting the whole peasantry into a single nationwide struggle against an oppressive and proto-fascist regime. SabrangIndia’s unique  Kranti ka Naqsha, mapped the year of the Kisan Andolan, a visual depiction of one year of the farmers’ struggles. The maps show how protests persevered through all seasons and evolved into various forms of agitations such as Mahapanchayats and homages. The last map also shows the growing violent aggression against this peaceful protest. The protest may have ended for now, however the farmers, and their unions, are keeping a close watch on what the government does next. For now, it is time for them to go home and be with their farms and  families they had left behind, over a year ago.

Related:

SKM says govt’s draft agreeable, but “this is not the end”
Willing to end struggle but no faith in GoI: SKM
SKM forms five-member committee to hold talks with GoI
Centre refuses compensation to martyred farmers claiming it has “no record”
SKM decries Centre’s tyranny in disallowing debate on farm laws
Parliament repeals farm laws sans discussion, but what’s next?

The post Jai Kisan! Farmers hope to reap the fruits of the struggles they have undergone appeared first on SabrangIndia.

]]> SKM says govt’s draft agreeable, but “this is not the end” https://sabrangindia.in/skm-says-govts-draft-agreeable-not-end/ Wed, 08 Dec 2021 13:02:26 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2021/12/08/skm-says-govts-draft-agreeable-not-end/ All SKM unions approve of latest government offer, but wait for official letterhead

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Farmers umbrella body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders on December 8, 2021 expressed a general approval regarding the draft document sent by the central government regarding major farmer demands. The SKM will formally announce the future of the farmers’ struggle on December 9.

The government sent a revised draft to farmers on Wednesday in response to the changes demanded by the SKM. All member unions have expressed a general consensus of approval regarding the document. However, leaders said they will wait till Thursday noon for the government to realise the draft as a signed document on the government’s letterhead.

SKM leader Ashok Dhawale said, “A good thing about the draft is that the entire SKM approves of it. But it is still only a draft. We want this same document as a government letter by tomorrow. Until that is done, the struggle will go on.”

While the document was sent back to the government with a few more changes, all peasant leaders remained tight-lipped on the demand regarding the suspension of Union Minister Ajay Mishra.

Following the repeal of the three farm laws, farmers demands were listed as follows:

  1. A legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the C2+50 percent formula

  2. Withdrawal of the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2021 that the Centre had promised to dispose in earlier talks

  3. Removal of penal provisions on farmers in the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021

  4. Withdrawal of FIRs against agitating farmers

  5. Compensation and rehabilitation to families of the 700-martyred farmers

  6. Immediate dismissal and arrest of Union Minister Ajay Mishra

As state elections draw closer, the central government has supposedly agreed on all these demands barring the last. For MSP, they recommended a committee comprising government officials, SKM representatives, experts and other farmer union leaders. For this, the SKM asked that union against MSP or favouring WTO goals be excluded from this committee.

Similarly, the SKM said that the Electricity (Amendment) Bill be disposed of as per previous discussions along with section 15 of the Delhi AQM Act and FIRs against protesting farmers. Accordingly, the government earlier agreed to compensate families of 700 people who were martyred during the farmers’ struggle in the last year.

Related:

Willing to end struggle but no faith in GoI: SKM
SKM forms five-member committee to hold talks with GoI
Centre refuses compensation to martyred farmers claiming it has “no record”
SKM decries Centre’s tyranny in disallowing debate on farm laws
Parliament repeals farm laws sans discussion, but what’s next?

The post SKM says govt’s draft agreeable, but “this is not the end” appeared first on SabrangIndia.

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