Farmers Protest: As the murmurs of discontent echo through the agricultural landscape, farmer organizations are poised for a series of protests in the coming weeks. From a nationwide tractor parade to a march on Delhi, culminating in a significant strike and rural shutdown, the farming community is gearing up to make its demands heard.Tractor Parade on Republic DayThe Samyukta Kisan Morcha has declared its intent to stage a tractor parade at the district or tehsil level across the nation on Republic Day, 26th January. This initiative serves as a precursor to the broader movement planned by various farmer groups in the subsequent weeks.Delhi March on 13th FebruaryA significant highlight on the protest calendar is the planned march to Delhi on 13th February, supported by farmer organizations from states like Haryana and Punjab. The rallying cry includes demands for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the rectification of unfulfilled promises to the farming community. To prepare for this march, a farmer rally is scheduled in Narnaund, Haryana, on 3rd February, calling upon villagers to join the movement.Nationwide Strike and Bharat Bandh on 16th FebruaryAdding to the momentum, the United Kisan Morcha and Central Trade Unions have jointly called for an industrial strike and Gramin Bharat Bandh on 16th February. Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson for Bharatiya Kisan Union, emphasized the broader impact of this action, stating, Farmers will not go to their fields on that day and will hold an agricultural strike. This will send a big message to the country. The appeal extends beyond farmers, reaching out to traders, transporters, and the general public to join in solidarity.Broad Spectrum of IssuesThe protests encompass a wide range of issues, including the demand for a legal guarantee on MSP, concerns about unemployment, the Agniveer Yojana, and the implementation of a pension scheme for retirees. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Central Trade Unions are urging like-minded organizations to support the strike against what they perceive as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and anti-national policies of the Central Government.Unified Call for SupportIn a united front, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Central Trade Unions have issued a joint appeal to organizations sharing their concerns to rally behind the strike and rural bandh on 16th February 2024. This collaborative effort seeks to amplify the voices against policies deemed detrimental to the welfare of farmers and the nation at large.The coming weeks promise to be pivotal as the agricultural community unites to make a resounding statement against perceived injustices.
