The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmers' unions, has announced 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' (grand assembly) in Delhi on March 14 to press their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Over 400 farmer outfits from across the country are expected to participate in the event at the iconic Ramlila Maidan. Unlike their previous protests, farmers will not be travelling by tractor trolleys, opting for buses and trains instead, informed farmers leader and Bharti Kisan Union (Lakhowal) general secretary Harinder Singh Lakhowal.
In continuation of their struggle, it was decided that a "mahapanchayat" will be organised in the national capital on March 14, he added.
More than 400 farmer organisations from across the country will take part in the "mahapanchayat", Lakhowal said.
Representatives from 37 farmer bodies, affiliated with the SKM, convened to strategize for the forthcoming "mahapanchayat" at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
Lakhowal, emphasised the enduring struggle of farmers for their rights and talked about the significance of the upcoming event.
This announcement comes amid continued agitation by farmer groups seeking various concessions from the central government. Their key demands include:
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Legal guarantee for MSP: Farmers are demanding a law mandating the government to procure crops at MSP, a pre-determined price to ensure fair returns.
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Cancellation of FIRs: They seek withdrawal of cases registered against farmers during the 2020-21 protests against three farm laws, later repealed by the government.
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Implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations: These recommendations aim to improve farmers' income and address agrarian distress.
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Other demands: These include pension schemes for farmers and farm labourers, control on electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to families of farmers who died during the 2020-21 agitation.
The SKM had earlier distanced itself from the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' march by other farmer groups but has consistently voiced its concerns through protests and dialogue with the Centre.
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