In a first, an 8-point resolution calls for unity in farmers’ struggle

The resolution further highlights the importance of unity among the three platforms—SKM, SKM non-political, and KMM—to counter the central government’s policies, particularly the National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing. Termed more dangerous than the now-repealed farm laws, the policy has become a rallying point for farmers.

“The idea is to ensure common ground on key issues as our demands are identical. While ideological differences will remain, the priority is to save Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike, by collectively taking up our demands with the Centre,” said Raminder Singh Patiala, a member of the SKM unity committee, while speaking to The Indian Express.

On Friday, SKM leaders will meet their counterparts from SKM non-political and KMM at Khanauri and Shambhu borders to share the unity resolution and extend an invitation for further talks on January 15 at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran in Patiala. “We hope to reach a consensus on Friday. Otherwise, the January 15 meeting is an opportunity to deliberate further,” Patiala added.

Joginder Singh Ugrahan stressed the need to stop internal criticism, stating, “Instead of speaking against each other, we must focus on addressing the government on our demands.”

The SKM also endorsed the call by SKM non-political and KMM to burn copies of the draft National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing on January 13 and to organise district-level tractor marches on January 26.

The SKM leaders urged the central government to hold talks with farmers’ organisations to save Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s life. They warned that if any harm comes to Dallewal, the consequences would be severe.

SKM has consistently supported the demands of SKM non-political and KMM but has opposed their Dilli Chalo plans. Earlier attempts at unity in February, through a six-member committee, failed. Fresh talks resumed in December after Dallewal began his hunger strike.

The Mahapanchayat in Moga saw farmers from across Punjab assemble in large numbers. The gathering demanded a legal guarantee for MSP based on the Swaminathan formula, implementation of all points agreed upon in the Delhi agreement, and debt waivers for farmers and workers.

Leaders criticised the central government, holding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan responsible for the current crisis. They passed a unity resolution, considering the gravity of the farmers’ demands, and reiterated their warning to the Centre against any harm to Dallewal.

Parliamentary standing committee report rejected

The Mahapanchayat leaders dismissed the report of the parliamentary standing committee on MSP, accusing it of ignoring the Swaminathan Committee recommendations and offering incomplete solutions. SKM rejected the report and declared readiness for a prolonged agitation.

However, SKM non-political and KMM have endorsed the parliamentary committee’s call for an MSP law.

The gathering was addressed by several leaders, including Balbir Singh Rajewal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Rakesh Tikait, Harmeet Singh Kadian, Dr Darshanpal, Raminder Singh Patiala, Krishna Prasad, Buta Singh Burjgill, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, Manjeet Singh Dhaner, Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, Purshottam Sharma, Baldev Singh Nihalgarh, and Ruldu Singh Mansa.

SKM announced its national meeting in Delhi on January 24-25 to plan its future course of action.