Delhi: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has welcomed the central government’s decision to hold talks with farmers’ organizations, considering it a significant victory for the farmers’ movement. SKM has also expressed relief and support for fasting farmer leader Sardar Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s decision to seek medical assistance, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Unity and Pressure Force Government to Act
According to SKM leaders, the growing solidarity among farmers and the relentless nationwide protests compelled the government to backtrack from its divisive strategies and agree to negotiations. This decision marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to address farmers’ concerns.
Change in January 20 Protest Plans
SKM has revised its protest plans for January 20, 2025. Instead of staging demonstrations outside MPs’ residences or offices, farmers will send letters to the Prime Minister via email through their respective MPs, urging the government to fulfill its promises.
Republic Day Tractor Parade
In addition to reiterating its commitment to the nationwide movement, SKM announced a massive tractor, vehicle, and motorcycle parade on January 26, 2025. The parade aims to pressure the government to revoke anti-farmer policies implemented through the so-called National Policy Framework for Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM).
A Call to Action for Farmers
SKM congratulated farmers across the country for their resilience and called for united action to demand the fulfillment of the written commitments made by the government on December 9, 2021. These assurances had led to the suspension of the historic Delhi protest, which remains the world’s largest farmer movement.
The organization strongly criticized the government’s alleged attempts to privatize the nation’s agricultural lands, food supply chains, and food security systems through corporate-backed policies like NPFAM, branding them as a continuation of the three repealed farm laws.
Plans for Upcoming Movements
With Sardar Dallewal’s health improving, SKM urged its units to focus on ensuring the success of the January 26 nationwide tractor rally and to intensify the struggle against the government’s policies. SKM will hold a general assembly in Delhi on January 24, 2025, to finalize future programs and strategies.
A Stern Warning to the Government
SKM warned the central government to refrain from working against the interests of farmers, who are the backbone of the nation. The leadership declared that farmers remain united in their demands and will persist with democratic protests until these demands are met.
“The government must heed the voice of its farmers and fulfill its promises. Until then, the movement will continue in every form,” SKM leaders asserted.
