New Delhi
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has penned a letter to PM Narendra Modi, pressing for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and condemning the government’s handling of the farmers’ ‘Dilli Chalo’ march, alleging attempts to sow discord among farmer groups. The SKM urged all similar farmer organizations to unify and engage in the Gramin Bharat Bandh slated for February 16, organized by central trade unions.
The statement was issued amid clashes during the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, led by the SKM splinter group Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, encountering tear gas shells near Ambala, with protesters attempting to breach police barricades in Jind, erected by the Haryana Police to block their passage to the capital.
Accusing the government of employing repressive measures against peaceful protests, the SKM emphasized their demands, including MSP for all crops based on the Swaminathan formula, legal procurement guarantees, debt relief, stable electricity tariffs, and free power allocation for farming and domestic use. They also called for comprehensive crop insurance and an increase in pensions to Rs 10,000 per month, among others.
The SKM criticized the government’s reluctance to engage directly with them while engaging with other platforms, portraying the farmers’ movement as divided. They denounced the government’s obstruction and repression of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ agitation, condemning the barricading of borders and suspension of internet services.
Urging the Prime Minister to address the farmers’ demands and initiate discussions, the SKM underscored the importance of unity among like-minded farmer organizations and their active participation in the upcoming industrial strike and Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16.
