New Delhi, 11 July (H.S.): Preparations for a nationwide farmers' agitation against the proposed India-United States trade agreement and several agriculture-related issues have gathered momentum. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) has written to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), urging it to set aside differences and launch a joint nationwide movement based on a common minimum programme.
In a letter sent by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) Convenor Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Co-Convenor Kuruburu Shanthakumar, the organisation said that broad-based unity among farmers' groups is the need of the hour to effectively address issues concerning the farming community. The letter appealed to both organisations to formulate a common strategy and initiate a coordinated nationwide agitation.
The letter alleged that both the Central and State governments have been consistently implementing anti-farmer policies under the influence of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and large corporate houses. It further claimed that the Centre is moving towards a trade agreement with the United States that could adversely affect the interests of farmers, agricultural labourers and small traders.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) also opposed the Punjab government's proposed Land Pooling Policy. According to the organisation, any attempt to reintroduce the policy would be detrimental to farmers' interests. It asserted that farmers' organisations should unite on a common platform to collectively oppose issues related to land, agriculture and trade.
According to the letter, meetings were held in Chandigarh on June 25 and July 1 with the objective of strengthening unity among farmers' organisations. Representatives of various organisations participated in these meetings, where positive discussions took place and progress was made towards building consensus for a joint movement.
Notably, prominent farmer leaders associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) include Dr Darshan Pal, Rakesh Tikait, Hannan Mollah and Balbir Singh Rajewal. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), meanwhile, is led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Farmer organisations are now awaiting the response of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) to the proposal for a united agitation and closely watching how both organisations move forward in shaping their future strategy.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
