The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has officially announced a massive nationwide protest against SIR, following the footsteps of the opposition and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). During a crucial national council meeting held in Karnal, Haryana, the SKM leadership decided to take to the streets on October 23 to voice their opposition against SIR and press for their long-pending demands. The meeting resulted in a call for large-scale demonstrations at district and tehsil centers across India on the specified date, while the SKM has resolved to intensify the farmers' struggle and organize extensive protests in New Delhi and throughout the country. The state units of the SKM have been tasked with deciding the specific locations for these demonstrations, which are expected to see the participation of hundreds of thousands of farmers.
Warning Against the Harassment of Protesters
The SKM issued a stern warning against the brutal suppression and harassment of protesters, including young female students, by the Delhi Police and what they described as criminal elements associated with the RSS-BJP in New Delhi. The organization stated that if the Modi government continues its attacks on protesters, farmers will step forward across India to protect them, particularly the students and the youth, while the SKM emphasized that the right to protest is a fundamental right, and any attack on peaceful protesters is a direct violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.
Criticism of the Judiciary and Law Enforcement
During the meeting, the SKM expressed criticism towards the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, for not taking suo motu cognizance or immediate action against the large-scale crimes occurring in the capital. They argued that this lack of intervention has led to a collapse of law and order. The SKM called upon farmers and citizens across India to unite in the struggle to protect democracy and ensure that the legal framework is upheld without bias.
Demand for Immediate Cancellation of SIR
The SKM has put forward several specific demands, including the immediate cancellation of the illegal SIR. They're also calling for the removal and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. 41 crore citizens whose names were removed without transparency. They've also proposed an amendment to the 2023 Act to include the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel instead of a Cabinet Minister to ensure a more balanced and fair selection process.
Preparation for a Long Struggle and Seven Main Demands
With November 26 marking the sixth anniversary of the historic farmers' movement at the Delhi border, the SKM has urged farmers to prepare for a long-term battle. They've called for multi-day protests until all seven of their primary demands are met, while these demands include the enactment of a law for MSP@C2+50%, the rejection of any Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a complete debt waiver, and compensation of 25 lakh rupees for the families of farmers who have committed suicide. Also, they're demanding pensions and insurance for farmers, a halt to the privatization of electricity, the cancellation of the Seed Bill 2025, the protection of land rights for farmers and tribals, the non-implementation of the 4 labor codes, and the restoration of MGNREGA.
Broad Representation from 17 States
The national council meeting was presided over by a seven-member presidium consisting of Ashok Dhawale, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Rakesh Tikait, Rajan Kshirsagar, Dr. Suneelam, Jagtar Singh Bajwa, and Joginder Singh Nain. The event began with a welcome speech by Ratan Singh Maan, while P. Krishnaprasad presented the agenda for the discussions. The deliberations saw active participation from 39 members, with a total of 142 representatives from 17 different states attending the meeting to solidify the roadmap for the upcoming protests and the future of the farmers' movement in India.