Amidst the vibrant cityscape of Hyderabad, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) is orchestrating tractor marches nationwide on February 26, marking ‘Quit WTO Day.’ This initiative serves a dual purpose: advocating for farmers’ rights and urging the central authorities to exert influence on developed nations at the 13th ministerial conference of the WTO in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from February 26 to 29. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KKM), expressed dissatisfaction with the WTO’s subsidy policies, deeming them detrimental to farmers.
In the midst of the ongoing Delhi Chalo march at the Shambhu border, Pandher addressed the protesting farmers, noting the government’s efforts to reopen borders and reinstate Internet access. He remarked, “In this current milieu, conducive to dialogue, the borders can be opened.”
Jagjit Dallewal, President of Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), emphasized the imperative for stringent action against those who inflict harm on farmers. He called for accountability towards those resorting to violence against farmers in Punjab, urging the government to address incidents of assault, tractor damage, and the apprehension of farmers.
In a noteworthy development, mobile internet restrictions in seven districts of Haryana have been lifted, easing tensions linked to the farmers’ protest. However, in a contrasting move, the central government has extended the internet ban in 19 police station areas across seven districts in Punjab until February 26, citing the recent tragic death of a young farmer during the ongoing protest.
Further complicating the situation, barricades at Delhi’s Tikri border and Singhu border were temporarily removed following the farmers’ march to the capital. Simultaneously, roadblocks along the Punjab border in Fatehabad were dismantled by the police.
Tragically, the farmers’ movement has witnessed seven fatalities, including three police personnel and four farmers. Among the deceased farmers from Punjab are Gyan Singh (65), Manjit Singh (72), Shubhkaran Singh (21), and Darshan Singh (62). Additionally, Sub-Inspectors Hiralal (58), Kaushal Kumar (56), and Vijay Kumar (40) lost their lives during the farmers’ agitation.
The protesters have articulated a set of demands directed at the Central Government. These include the implementation of a distinct law on Minimum Support Price (MSP), the withdrawal of charges against farmers from past demonstrations, exemptions for farmers from pollution regulations, agricultural loan waivers, pension provisions for farmers and agricultural workers, the repeal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020, and severe penalties for those responsible for the Lakhimpur Khiri incident.