SKM Calls For Nationwide Tractor Marches On Republic Day, Urges PM Modi To Address Farmer Issues
Delhi The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced plans for tractor marches across India on January 26, coinciding with the 76th Republic Day. The farmers' organisation is urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in discussions regarding unresolved issues that affect the agricultural community.This call to action comes as concerns grow over the health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 48 days. Dallewal, who serves as the convener of SKM (Non-Political), began his fast at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana on November 26 last year. His demands include a legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, among other pressing issues.In a statement, SKM revealed that a meeting with SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) will take place on Monday to unify efforts around their demands, which also include the repeal of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM) and the establishment of a legally guaranteed MSP."Farmers are called upon to organise Tractor, Vehicle and Motorcycle Parades on January 26, 2025, at the district and sub-division levels throughout the country," the SKM stated. The parades will serve as a platform for farmers to voice their demands.
Demands
Urgent discussions with the Prime Minister involving all Kisan organisations.
Immediate withdrawal of the NPFAM, viewed as anti-farmer and anti-federal.
Implementation of a law guaranteeing MSP at C2+50 per cent.
A comprehensive loan waiver scheme for farmers and farm workers.
Rejection of electricity privatisation and smart meters, along with provisions for free electricity up to 300 units.
Full implementation of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act 2013.
The SKM has also planned protests against the NPFAM, including burning copies of the policy, as part of their coordinated efforts.
In their statement, the SKM expressed strong disapproval of what they termed the Prime Minister's "authoritarian and insensitive" approach. They accused Modi of refusing to engage with Kisan organisations and failing to protect the life of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The farmers' group claimed that even the Supreme Court and the President of India have been "helpless" to intervene, allowing Dallewal’s fast to continue for over 46 days without resolution.
The SKM further alleged that Modi’s government is succumbing to corporate interests that are undermining the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of farmers. They accused the administration of neglecting minimum support prices for farmers and minimum wages for workers, while also threatening productive employment for the youth.
"The livelihoods of the people are at risk due to a series of pro-corporate reforms, including the NPFAM, which challenges the federal structure of the Indian Union and contradicts fundamental principles of the Constitution," the statement read.A coordination meeting between SKM, SKM (Non-Political) and KMM is scheduled for January 13 in Patran, a town near Khanauri. This meeting aims to unify various farmer bodies in a joint struggle for their demands.
On Friday, a six-member committee from SKM visited the Khanauri protest site and extended an invitation to SKM (Non-Political) and KMM for collaboration. The original meeting, intended for January 15 in Patiala, was postponed due to Dallewal's deteriorating health condition.
