Sanyukt Kisan Morcha Escalates Nationwide Farmer Protests, Targets India-US Trade Deal
The national council meeting of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), held in Bathinda, has unanimously resolved to intensify both independent and united struggles until all major farmer demands are met. A primary focus is opposing the India-US trade deal, with the SKM demanding that the central government refrain from signing it. The farmer body asserts that this deal, along with other policies, threatens agricultural interests and federal rights.
Key Demands and Legislative Opposition
The SKM is vehemently opposing several legislative measures, including the Electricity Amendment Bill, the Seed Bill, the four Labour Codes, and the VB – G Ram G Act. Central to their agenda is securing a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the C2+50% formula, which accounts for comprehensive production costs plus a 50% profit margin. Additional demands include a complete loan waiver for farmers and the full implementation of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act of 2013.
Strategic Actions and Coordination Plans
To amplify their efforts, the SKM has decided to hold coordination meetings with trade unions and agricultural workers unions to finalize plans for united struggles. Until March 9, the organization will conduct public meetings in villages, calling for the President of India to dismiss Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and direct the Prime Minister not to sign the India-US trade deal. Farmers will organize processions to post offices to send open letters to the President, highlighting these demands.
State-Level Engagements and Federal Rights Advocacy
On February 27, SKM delegations will meet with chief ministers and opposition leaders in various states. They will urge these leaders to combat the centralization of power by the Union government and protect state federal rights. Specific requests include amending the GST Act to restore taxation powers to states and increasing the states' share of the divisible pool from 33% to 60%, inclusive of cess and surcharges.
Upcoming Protests and Nationwide Mobilization
The SKM has scheduled a worker-farmer parliament at Jantar Mantar on March 9, coinciding with the first day of the next Parliament session, in collaboration with trade unions and agricultural workers platforms. From March 10 to April 13, state coordination committees will organize mahapanchayats across India, starting in Barnala, Punjab. These gatherings will educate participants on the dangers of the India-US trade deal and other pro-corporate policies, while preparing for a prolonged struggle. March 23 will be observed as Anti-Imperialist Day nationwide.
Condemnation of Police Repression and Internal Discussions
The meeting adopted a resolution condemning police repression against farmer agitations in Punjab, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Additionally, the SKM discussed a letter from the SKM (Non-Political) group and formed a five-member committee, including Joginder Singh Ugrahan and Yudhvir Singh, to engage in discussions with them. A separate 15-member panel will be established to interact with the Supreme Court committee on MSP and related issues, ensuring farmer voices are heard in judicial processes.
