The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmers’ organizations, has declared a series of nationwide protests in response to the ongoing farmers’ agitation and recent incidents at the Punjab-Haryana interstate borders. Among the announced actions, a ‘mahapanchayat’ is scheduled to be held in Delhi on March 14.
The SKM is pressing for the registration of a murder case against Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Home Minister Anil Vij, following the death of a protester during the farmers’ demonstration. They are also demanding a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family of the deceased.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait, speaking after the coordination committee meeting of the SKM, stated that a ‘black day’ would be observed across the country on Friday to protest the non-implementation of their demands. These demands include the enactment of laws to guarantee the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Tikait emphasized the need for a judicial inquiry into the death of the protester, calling for a murder case to be registered under Section 320 of the Indian Penal Code against the Haryana CM and the Home Minister.
In addition to these demands, Tikait announced that on February 26, a tractor march would be conducted on one side of national highways throughout the country. The march is planned in such a way as to allow normal traffic flow on the other side of the highways.
The ‘mahapanchayat’ planned for March 14 in Delhi is intended to discuss and decide the next steps in the farmers’ agitation.
This series of protests and meetings comes after a recent escalation in tensions, where a protester was killed and about 12 police personnel were injured during clashes at the Khanauri border. The incident led to the temporary suspension of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days. The farmers’ leaders have been steadfast in their demand for fair treatment and the implementation of policies beneficial to the agricultural sector.