Separate protests may deepen divide between farm unions

Patiala: As negotiations continue between the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and SKM to reach a consensus, the separate protest schedules announced by both indicate that disagreements are unlikely to be resolved soon.

After the SKM (Non-Political) announced to hold rail-roko protest on March 10, the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), BKU Dakaunda and Krantikari Kisan Union, which are part of the SKM, have declared plans to hold protests across the state on March 5.

In an eight-point agenda shared with SKM (Non-Political), a delegation of the SKM has expressed objections to the violence that occurred on January 26, 2021, and the incident involving members associated with the unions of Sarwan Singh Pandher and Satnam Singh Pannu marching towards the Red Fort.

Tensions have escalated within farmer unions after SKM leaders, who attended the bhog of Shubhkaran Singh at Balloh village in Bathinda district on Sunday, were not given an opportunity to address the gathering. On the other hand, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee state president Pandher and SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal addressed the farmers during the ceremony.

Leaders of the SKM, including Gurnam Singh Charuni from Haryana, Rakesh Tikait’s son Gaurav Tikait from UP, BKU (U) president Joginder Singh, BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) president Manjit Singh, BKU (Dakonda) president Boota Singh Burj Gill and other farmer leaders from various states, who spearheaded the 2020-21 farmer agitation, attended Shubhkaran’s bhog. However, none of them were given an opportunity to speak.

A delegation of the SKM, comprising BKU(U) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Jhanda Singh Jethuke, and Roop Singh Chhannan, who are currently holding parleys with SKM (Non-Political) leaders, emphasised the importance of fostering discipline before embarking on coordinated action.