Kathmandu, March 14, 2024
In a resolute response to what it perceives as “brutal repression” by the Modi government, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has issued a clarion call for a Mahapanchayat in Delhi on March 14, aiming to galvanize support against perceived injustices and mobilize for collective action.
The recent month has witnessed a resurgence in the farmers’ movement across the nation, accompanied by what the SKM terms as a severe crackdown by the ruling BJP-RSS government. The movement has been marred by tragic losses, with two farmers losing their lives amidst clashes with authorities. The deaths of 79-year-old Gian Singh and 21-year-old Shubhkaran Singh have sparked outrage and condemnation nationwide, shedding light on what some describe as excessive force used against protesters.
The incidents, which occurred at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, have been met with widespread condemnation, both within and outside political circles. The SKM, along with Central Trade Unions (CTU) and various Left and secular political parties, has vehemently decried the government’s actions, labeling them as “savage repression” against peaceful demonstrators.
The forthcoming Mahapanchayat, slated to take place at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, serves as a platform for farmers and supporters to voice their grievances and demand justice for the fallen comrades. With preparations in full swing, the SKM anticipates a robust turnout, particularly from North Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and others, as it aims to consolidate support and amplify its message.
The decision to convene the Mahapanchayat follows a series of deliberations and strategic planning by the SKM National Coordination Committee and General Body, held in Chandigarh on February 22. During the meeting, several crucial decisions were made, including plans for nationwide protests and demonstrations to highlight the plight of farmers and workers.
In a scathing critique of the Modi government’s policies, the SKM has accused it of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of farmers and workers. The recent announcement of conferring the Bharat Ratna on Choudhary Charan Singh and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan has been dismissed as “hypocritical” by the SKM, which contends that the government’s actions belie its anti-farmer stance.
Amidst escalating tensions and mounting discontent, the Mahapanchayat stands as a symbol of resilience and solidarity, embodying the spirit of resistance against perceived injustices. As the SKM gears up for what promises to be a watershed moment in the farmers’ movement, all eyes are on Delhi, where voices of dissent are set to reverberate loudly in the corridors of power.
As the sun sets on March 14, Delhi braces itself for a gathering of unprecedented proportions, where farmers and their supporters will converge to assert their rights and demand accountability from those in positions of authority. The Mahapanchayat represents not just a convergence of individuals, but a convergence of aspirations, hopes, and dreams for a brighter, more just future