In a significant move towards unity, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called for a critical meeting on January 15 in Patiala, with a focus to address differences among farmer unions and discuss the unity resolution passed during the Moga Mahapanchayat held earlier this month. The call for solidarity comes as a delegation to SKM leaders visited Khanauri border where farmer leader Daljit Singh Dallewal is on fast unto death for the past 46 days.
Emphasizing the urgency of collective action, a six-member SKM delegation, accompanied by a 101-member farmers’ group met leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) at the Khanauri border. The meeting aimed to iron out internal differences and reaffirm their shared goal of addressing the Central Government’s “pro-corporate policies.”
“Our target should be the central government. There should be no attempts to compete or compare with each other,” stated a resolution circulated by SKM.
Prominent leaders, including Balbir Singh Rajewal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, and Dr. Darshan Pal, visited Dallewal to express solidarity and discuss a common minimum program. Rajewal stated, “The whole country, especially Punjab, is worried about Dallewal’s health. It’s time to forget our internal differences and fight this battle together.” Farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan emphasized the importance of disciplined communication, urging leaders to avoid media statements that could spark divisions.
Kaka Singh Kotra, leader of SKM Non-Political, dismissed the government’s claims of a divided farmer movement. “Today, we have taken a step towards forming a unified struggle, similar to the one during the 2020-21 protests. We hope all unions will come together,” he said. On the other hand in a video message, Dallewal criticized the Punjab BJP unit for approaching the Akal Takht to end his fast. He urged BJP leaders to instead press the Prime Minister and senior ministers to address farmers’ concerns.
“You should meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Home Minister Amit Shah,” said Dallewal, calling for swift government intervention.
Meanwhile, the farmer leaders associated with the SKM (Non-political) and KMM held protests at different locations and burnt effigies of the Modi government, demanding immediate action on Dallewal’s demands and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law. As per the farmer leaders the January 15 meeting will bring together farmer unions to strengthen their movement and outline strategies to tackle ongoing challenges. Also the copies of the Moga Mahapanchayat resolution have been circulated among farmer organizations to ensure informed discussions.
