Moga Mahapanchayat strengthens unity and mobilization of farmers

By Harsh Thakor*

On January 9, farmers gathered at the Mahapanchayat in Moga's grain market, arriving on tractor-trolleys, buses, cars, and other forms of transport. The overwhelming turnout forced organizers to expand the venue to accommodate the participants.

Senior Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader Prem Singh Bhanghu stated, "The SKM has issued a clarion call for all farmer unions across the country to unite on a single platform and collectively resist the pro-corporate and anti-farmer policies of the Union government. Legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waivers are common demands nationwide, and these can only be achieved through wider mobilization and sustained struggle."

The Moga rally's leadership urged all farmer organizations in Punjab to work in unity rather than address parallel issues independently. A six-member SKM committee will visit the Khanauri border on January 10, accompanied by a 101-member farmers' group, to advocate for unity between the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).

Bhangu announced that on January 13, draft copies of the national agriculture marketing policy issued by the Centre to state governments would be symbolically burnt at sub-divisional levels across Punjab. Furthermore, on January 26, a statewide tractor march will press the Central Government to initiate discussions with protesting farmers, aiming to save the life of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

"The new agriculture marketing policy is merely a rebranded version of the previously repealed farm laws, designed to benefit corporations. We have urged the state government to reject this policy in the Assembly," Bhangu added.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) chief Harinder Singh Lakhowal emphasized, "AAP MPs, MLAs, cabinet ministers, and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must seek a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address farmers' demands. If denied, they should stage a protest in Delhi."

Lakhowal also called on the Supreme Court to direct the Union government to honor its commitments to farmers and urged the President to grant a meeting to explain the farmers' position.

Prominent leaders addressing the Mahapanchayat included Joginder Singh Ugrahan (BKU Ekta-Ugrahan), Balbir Singh Rajewal (BKU Rajewal), Harinder Singh Lakhowal (BKU Lakhowal), and Rakesh Tikait (BKU spokesperson), among others.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha passed an "Ekta Resolution," stressing the necessity of unity among unions to push for long-standing demands. The SKM rejected Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations, accusing them of ignoring the Swaminathan Committee's findings and offering incomplete assurances on MSP.

Future Plans

The SKM will convene a National Council Meeting in Delhi on January 24-25 to strategize future actions. Their key demands include a legal guarantee for MSP, debt relief for farmers and laborers, and the immediate intervention of the Centre to address Dallewal's deteriorating health.

While efforts for unity marked a significant step, the tragic suicide of 50-year-old farmer Resham Singh at the Shambhu border cast a shadow over the movement. Consuming insecticide, Singh left a note declaring his sacrifice was meant to awaken the Modi and Punjab governments. Inspired by Dallewal, Singh's death highlighted the desperation of farmers.

Kisan Mazdoor Manch leader Sarwan Singh Pandher demanded compensation of ₹25 lakh, a government job for the deceased's family, and a loan waiver, vowing not to perform the last rites until the demands were met.

The SKM announced that a six-member Ekta Committee would lead a 101-member team to meet protesting farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu borders on January 10. The initiative includes inviting unions to a joint meeting at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib in Patiala on January 15.

On January 26, the SKM plans a tractor march across Punjab.

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*Freelance journalist

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