X: @the_news_21
The demise of a young farmer in clashes with security forces at the interstate border of Punjab and Haryana has reignited the flames of the farmers’ protest, with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) gearing up to join the agitation by observing a ‘Black Friday’ today. Rakesh Tikait, a leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), announced that the SKM would also conduct a tractor march on highways toward the national capital.
The Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee has criticized the Punjab government for not filing an FIR regarding the death of the protesting youth at the Khanauri border. Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of the committee, condemned the government’s handling of the situation, stating that it was insulting the martyrdom of the deceased.
“Talks were being held with the Punjab Government on the death of Shubhkaran Singh. All our demands were accepted, but the Punjab Government is not giving any answer,” remarked a farmer leader.
Punjab’s Chief Minister has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the family of the deceased farmer and assured a government job for his sister.
The call for intensified protests by SKM includes a “Jan Aakrosh” rally on Friday, a nationwide tractor rally on highways on February 26, and a mahapanchayat in Delhi’s Ramlila Ground on March 14. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait emphasized that the farmers would take tractors to the highway, aiming towards the route to Delhi, as part of a one-day program.
SKM demanded the booking of Haryana’s chief minister and home minister for the “murder” of the protesting farmer. Additionally, they called for their resignation.
Haryana Police issued a warning regarding damage to property, stating that it would lead to property seizure and bank account attachment of protestors. Despite this, thousands of farmers remain camped at Khanauri and Shambhu borders, demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and farm debt waiver.
The Congress party has urged for a special session of Parliament to discuss the farmers’ issues, while Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda stressed the need for further efforts from both sides to reach a consensus.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur reiterated the government’s readiness for talks with the protesting farmers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Also Read: Election Commission Allocates Symbol “Man Blowing Turha” to Sharad Pawar-led NCP Faction
