SKM to support Bharat Bandh on September 23

A meeting of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) was held here on Thursday in which farmer union representatives announced to support the Bharat Bandh protest. A call to hold a protest against the anti-worker labour laws was given by trade unions for September 23.

Farmer leaders said workers and farmers share their plight as both sections are exploited by big corporate houses. They stated that farmers would wholeheartedly participate in the Bharat Bandh protest to support the cause of workers.

Presiding over the meeting, Gurdev Singh Varpal said farmers would participate in the events to be held by trade unions to express solidarity with them. Varpal said the SKM would observe September 28, the birth anniversary of martyr Bhagat Singh, as the day against big corporates. Farmer leader Rattan Singh Randhawa said the SKM would also observe October 3 as Shaheedi Divas to pay homage to farmers who were mowed down by vehicles led by BJP leader Ajay Mishra Tenni and his son.

“It is being projected that farmers are responsible for pollution, which actually is caused by industrial units. A large number of people are suffering from diseases due to pollution and instead of taking action against polluting industries, the government is trying to defame farmers,” he said, adding that the SKM would oppose imposing of fine on farmers.

The meeting was also attended by Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, Mukhtiar Singh, Swinder Singh Meerakot, Narinder Terra, Baldev Singh Verka, Palwinder Singh and other leaders.