The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), a prominent farmers' and workers' collective, has declared a nationwide wave of mass demonstrations targeting both the central government and the Punjab administration. The group accuses the governments of implementing laws and policies that are detrimental to the interests of farmers and laborers.
Decisions Taken After Failed Talks
The decision to escalate protests was finalized during a crucial meeting held at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh on Thursday. This move came directly after an inconclusive discussion between the Punjab chapter of the KMM and state government officials at Punjab Bhawan a day earlier, on Wednesday.
Following the deadlock in official talks, the KMM leadership convened a follow-up meeting at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali. This gathering was chaired by Manjit Singh Rai, as confirmed by Sarwan Singh Pandher, the national coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Detailed Schedule of Agitation
The protest group has released a detailed calendar for its upcoming agitation, outlining specific actions on key dates.
On January 13, the protests will coincide with the festival of Lohri. At the village level across Punjab, copies of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, the proposed Seed Law 2025, and documents related to VB – G RAM G will be set alight in the traditional bonfires.
On January 18, demonstrators plan to confront Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during his scheduled visit to Majitha in Amritsar. They intend to raise pointed questions regarding the forced closure of the Shambhu–Khanauri morcha, alleged theft of protest trollies, and other long-pending demands.
On January 21 and 22, the second phase of the protest will see activists removing smart electricity meters and depositing them at local electricity offices as a symbol of resistance.
On February 5, the agitation will move to the doorsteps of elected representatives. The KMM has announced plans to organize sit-in protests outside the residences of Punjab's ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Core Demands of the Protestors
Addressing the media, KMM leaders expressed frustration, alleging that the government is backtracking on earlier consensuses. They specifically accused the administration of evading responsibility for compensating losses incurred by protestors during the prolonged Shambhu–Khanauri morchas.
The organization's list of major demands includes several critical points:
- Compensation and government employment for the families of farmers and workers who lost their lives during the various agitations.
- Complete withdrawal of all legal cases filed against farmers related to stubble burning, along with the removal of punitive 'red entries' and penalties.
- Immediate disbursement of pending compensation to farmers whose lands and crops were devastated by floods.
The announcement sets the stage for a renewed period of confrontation between the agrarian workforce and the authorities in Punjab, with potential ripple effects in other parts of the country.
