SKM Calls for Protest Outside Punjab Speaker's Residence Over Farmer Brothers' Suicide
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has declared a major demonstration outside the residence of Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on March 30, seeking justice for the family of two farmer brothers from Harinaeu village in Faridkot who recently died by suicide. This decision emerged from a high-level meeting of various farmer unions held at Gurudwara Sahib in Harinaeu village on Thursday.
Charter of Demands for Bereaved Family
During the meeting, farmer leaders expressed profound concern over the tragic incident, attributing the brothers' extreme step to an overwhelming debt burden. The SKM has presented a charter of demands for the bereaved family, which includes adequate financial compensation, a complete waiver of all outstanding debts, and government employment for a family member.
Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala, General Secretary of the Kirti Kisan Union, presided over the gathering. Notable attendees included Nachhatar Singh Jaito of BKU Malwa, Gurmeet Singh Kuhar Wala from BKU Kadian, Gurjit Singh of Punjab Kisan Union, Sukhjinder Singh Tumbharbhan representing Kul Hind Kisan Sabha, and leaders such as Angrej Singh, Zora Singh, Bohar Singh, and Rajveer Singh Hari Nau.
Criticism of Government Policies and Political Indifference
In their statements, the farmer leaders highlighted the worsening debt crisis in Punjab, accusing successive state governments of failing to provide a permanent solution for debt relief. They pointed out a sharp contrast in government policy, noting that while the Modi government has allegedly written off over Rs 16 lakh crore in corporate debt, it remains unwilling to clear the country's total agricultural debt, which stands at a similar figure.
The leaders also criticized the silence of mainstream political parties regarding farmers' deaths. They observed that while political outfits were quick to protest over the unfortunate death of a District Magistrate, their relative indifference toward the loss of two farmers suggests that the farming community is not a priority on their political agendas.
Escalation of Protest Due to Lack of Concrete Relief
Despite Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan's visit to Harinaeu village on Wednesday to participate in the final rites of the deceased brothers, no concrete relief or announcements were made by him. Consequently, the farmer unions have decided to escalate the matter by staging a large-scale demonstration at his residence in Kotkapura.
This protest aims to draw attention to the urgent need for systemic changes to address the agricultural debt crisis and prevent further tragedies in Punjab's farming communities.
