Farmers to protest nationwide on Nov 26, marking four years of stir

The Samyukt Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (SKMM) has announced nationwide demonstration at the district headquarters on November 26 to mark the fourth anniversary of their movement.

A meeting in Jhiri village, chaired by Haryana Kisan Manch leader Sikander Singh Bhivan, outlined the protest plans. Gurdeep Singh Jhiri, the state president of the Haryana Kisan Manch, criticised the government for claiming that only farmers from Punjab and Haryana demand a minimum support price (MSP). He stated that the nationwide protests aimed at proving that the farmers from across the country were united in their demands.

The farmers have long been advocating for the implementation of a legal guarantee ensuring that the crops are purchased at MSP. They have also demanded unconditional loan waivers for the farmers and labourers, questioning why massive corporate loans worth Rs 17 lakh crore can be written off while the farmers are left struggling. Another contentious issue is the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020, which the farmers want withdrawn as they believe it will increase their financial burden.

The protests will also highlight the lack of justice in the Lakhimpur Kheri case, where the farmers were killed during a protest. SKMM leaders have demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of the accused. Additionally, they have voiced opposition to genetically modified seeds, which they claim are leading to decline in agricultural productivity and farmer suicides.

Other pressing issues include repealing the Land Acquisition Bill 2021 and reinstating the 2013 law, providing timely compensation for damaged crops, and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fertilisers and seeds. The farmers are also demanding the withdrawal of cases filed against them for stubble burning and the discontinuation of the 'Meri Fasal Mera Byora' portal policy, which they argue is flawed and inefficient.

The SKMM has warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their agitation after November 26. The responsibility for any disruption, they assert, will rest with the government and administration. The farmers and leaders from several districts, including Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Kaithal, attended the meeting, underscoring the collective resolve to fight for their rights.