The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has declared a renewed farmers’ protest against the Union Government. This decision emerged from the SKM General Body meeting on July 10, 2024, in Delhi.
Key demands discussed included the establishment of a Guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) Law, loan waivers, crop insurance, pensions for farmers and farmworkers, and the reversal of power sector privatization.
The SKM’s demands also include a separate budget for agriculture, exemption of agricultural inputs from GST, amendments to the GST Act to enhance state taxation rights, and a national water resource policy. Additionally, the SKM has called for a Martyr’s Memorial at the Singhu and Tikri borders to honor the 736 farmers who died during previous protests.
On July 16, 17, and 18, 2024, the SKM plans to submit a memorandum and charter of demands to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and Members of Parliament. On August 9, 2024, SKM will observe Quit India Day with nationwide protest demonstrations. The SKM has also demanded India withdraw from the World Trade Organization (WTO). On August 17, the SKM’s Punjab unit will hold three-hour protests at the residences of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his ministers to address Punjab’s specific demands.
At a press conference at the Press Club of India, SKM leaders highlighted the impact of their previous campaign, “Expose, Oppose and Punish BJP,” which they claim led to the BJP’s loss of 63 seats in recent elections, particularly in 159 rural-dominated constituencies.
The SKM stressed the need to intensify their struggle against issues such as severe indebtedness, unemployment, and rising prices. The General Body condemned the Union Government for violating the December 9, 2021 agreement, which included demands for legally guaranteed MSP, compensation for the families of deceased farmers, withdrawal of cases related to the farmers’ agitation, and amendments to the pollution control act related to stubble burning.
Future actions include submitting the updated demand charter to all Members of Parliament, holding protest demonstrations on August 9, and organizing state-level seminars on the water crisis and climate change. State coordination committees will plan further protests and campaigns ahead of the assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The SKM aims to mobilize farmers, coordinate with trade unions and other mass organizations, and continue their fight for farmers’ rights and livelihoods.
The Presidium of the General Body included Dr. Ashok Dhawale, Dr. Darshan Pal, Yudhvir Singh, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Revula Venkaiah, Medha Patkar, Satyawan, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Dr. Sunilam, Avik Saha, Dr. Ashish Mittal, Tajinder Singh Virk, and Kanwarjit Singh. Hannan Mollah welcomed the delegates. The meeting was attended by 143 delegates from 17 states. The press conference was attended by Hannan Mollah, Yudhvir Singh, Dr. Sunilam, Avik Saha, P. Krishnaprasad, R. Venkaiya, and Prem Singh Gehlawat.