The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held a meeting at Karnail Singh Issru Bhawan in Ludhiana under the leadership of Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Prem Singh Bhangu, and Balwinder Singh Raju. The gathering extensively discussed issues confronting farmers across Punjab and the country.
Call for Toll-Free Protest and Dharnas
The meeting decided to make all toll plazas in Punjab toll-free on July 22 from noon to 3 pm as a symbolic protest. It also resolved to stage dharnas outside the residences of BJP leaders to oppose the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
Strong Opposition to Trade Agreements
SKM leaders strongly opposed the proposed trade pacts, alleging they would open India's vast market to foreign investors and traders. They argued that the agreements would allow global capital and trade to overwhelm the domestic market and economy, adversely affecting the livelihoods of ordinary people. According to the SKM, the agreements are aimed at benefiting multinational corporations.
The leaders accused the BJP-led central government of keeping the public in the dark while gradually surrendering to the administration of US President Donald Trump. They claimed the government is determined to open the agriculture and dairy sectors to foreign trade, a move they said would devastate farming and allied sectors across the country.
Power Crisis and Gherao of Power Grids
Taking serious note of the prevailing power crisis in Punjab, the meeting called upon farmers across the state to gherao power grids. They demanded an uninterrupted eight-hour electricity supply for agricultural tubewells, essential for irrigation and farming operations.
