No consensus yet among farmer unions, SKM seeks appointment with President Murmu

Bhangu said the SKM has sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss farmers’ issues. “We have sought an appointment in the first week of January. A delegation of the SKM will meet her. If she is not available, then the Union agriculture minister should meet us. We are worried about the situation in Punjab. A law and order situation can arise in Punjab. This issue should be taken up fast.”

According to Bhangu, the SKM (political) will later decide whether to participate in the December 30 Punjab bandh called by the SKM (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), which are protesting at the borders. The organisation announced it would hold a public meeting in Moga on January 9.

Bhangu condemned both the Centre and the state government and said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who advocated for farmers in February, had since failed to address the issue. “His cabinet colleagues are also not to be seen anywhere. They have not even visited the hunger strike site,” he said.

The farmer leader expressed concern for Dallewal’s health, “Sitting on a fast unto death is a decision taken by them. It is their prerogative. But we are concerned and worried about his health. He is a senior leader. Farmers need him.”

Farmer leader Nirbhai Singh Dhudike recalled how three farm laws were repealed after a prolonged agitation. “Now, after four years, the central government is once again sending proposals to the states, giving a new form to the law and instructing them to pass it and send it, but we will not let this happen,” he said.

Dhudike said the process of coming together was ongoing. “There is no dearth of efforts from our side. We received a letter from KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher. We held meetings. There is no roadblock as far as initiative is concerned. Dallewal has been with us in the (2021) agitation as well. But it would not be logical for us to go there. They have our support.”

The SKM (political) and the KMM held a meeting in Patiala on December 21. However, there was no announcement about putting up a united front. All eyes are on these farmers’ organisations to see whether they will come together for a common cause.

SKM leader Jagmohan Singh Ugrahan said after the meeting, “We have not announced unity. But this does not mean we will not support Dallewal. We have announced our support for Dallewal. The decision of a united front will be taken by the SKM at the national level. We will convey our sentiments to them after today’s meeting.”