Black Friday: Farmers prepare for tractor marches nationwide

Black Friday: In a significant move, farm leader Rakesh Tikait announced plans for a series of protests and demonstrations aimed at highlighting the plight of farmers in India. Tikait revealed that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) would observe a "Black Friday" on February 23, demanding justice regarding the recent death of a young farmer at the Khanauri border. Furthermore, the SKM, along with various farmer bodies, is set to organize tractor marches along highways across the country on February 26, amplifying their demands for agricultural reforms.

Black Friday: Unified efforts amidst tragic incidents

Tikait, accompanied by numerous farm leaders from states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, convened in Chandigarh for the SKM national coordination committee meeting. The gathering aimed to address the recent violent clashes between farmers and law enforcement personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana.

Black Friday: Symbolic gestures of protest

In a symbolic gesture of dissent, several farm leaders, including Balbir Singh Rajewal and Joginder Singh Ugranhan, announced plans to burn effigies of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij. This act serves as a condemnation of the tragic demise of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh at the Khanauri border.

Black Friday: Demands for justice and recognition

The farm leaders have issued a poignant demand for the Punjab government to grant martyr status to the fallen young farmer and provide Rs 1 crore in financial assistance to his bereaved family.

Black Friday: Political, social mobilization

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has unequivocally denounced the incident, promising decisive action against those found responsible for the tragedy. Furthermore, the farmer unions have announced plans for a "kisan mahapanchayat" at Ramlila Ground in Delhi on March 14, further intensifying their campaign for agricultural reform and justice.

Black Friday: Diverse strategies, unified goals

It's noteworthy that the SKM, at the forefront of the farmers' agitation on Delhi borders in 2020-21 against the now-repealed three farm laws, is not directly involved in the "Delhi Chalo" march led by SKM (non-political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher at the Haryana borders. However, the overarching goal remains consistent: to press the central government to accede to their demands, including minimum support prices (MSP) for crops and agricultural loan waivers.

As tensions mount and the voices of farmers resonate across the nation, the upcoming protests and marches signify a resolute stand against injustice and a fervent call for meaningful agricultural reforms. The unity and determination exhibited by the farming community underscore their unwavering commitment to securing a better future for themselves and generations to come.