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Samyukt Kisan Morcha

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Sanyukt Kisan Morcha
AbbreviationSKM
Formation7 November 2020(3 years ago)(2020-11-07)
Legal statusActive
PurposeUnited Front of Farmers' unions
Region served
India
AffiliationsAll India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee
WebsiteSamyukt Kisan MorchaonX

Samyukta Kisan Morcha(SKM) (lit. 'Joint Farmers' Force'or'United Farmers Front'[1]), formed in November 2020, is a coalition of over fortyIndianfarmers' unions to coordinatesatyagragh(non-violent resistance) against thethree farm actsinitiated in September of the same year.[2]

The SKM in opposing the three farm laws has asserted that laws are an unwelcome imposition on the farmers,[3]violate the constitution,[4][5][6][7]are anti-farmer[5][7]and probig business.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]

History[edit]

The SKM formed in November 2020 is made up of over forty Indian farmers unions. Its purpose is to oppose the three farm acts that theNarendra ModiledNational Democratic Alliance(NDA) aims to implement. The farmers' method isSatyagragh(non-violent resistance) protest against the decision bythree farm acts.[2]

The SKM has held eleven rounds of talks with the government to repeal the three farm bills, and make law to guaranteeminimum support price(MSP) for 23 crops[15][16]without success.[17][16][when?]

Protest camps[edit]

In November, the SKM decided to take their protest to Delhi to draw attention to their cause.[citation needed]The protesters were not allowed to enter Delhi. They made plans to try to enter national highway.[8]The number of farmers concentrated around the borders of Delhi grew. Police deployed against farmers, who remain peaceful cloistered in their make shift camps, are from MHA forces, Haryana, Delhi, and UP Police.[citation needed]

The largest concentration of farmers in Haryana are at Tikri, and Shingu-Kundli borders.[when?]

Similar action by the UP and Delhi police on the Delhi-UP border caused farmers to be concentrated inGhazipur,and Chila (Noida-Delhi road), on the UP-Delhi border. Haryana police action on the Haryana and Rajasthan Border, caused farmers concentrations nearShahjahapur, where the farmers face the Haryana and theRajasthan police.[18][19]

These farmer's protests are opposed by police barricades, armed police and paramilitary forces. The protest sites have evolved into ramshackle camps of trolley tractors, tents and tarps. The farmers have remained without government, medical, electricity or civic support.[when?]

By January 2020, many protesting farmers had come in by rotation from Punjab and Haryana. Estimates of the camp populations in and around Delhi, mostly in Haryana, varied between 100,000 and 300,000.[20]In addition to farmers' camps on the Delhi borders, there are farmer and SKM supporter gatherings inPalwal.This camp was caused by a decision of theHaryana Policeto stop the protesters there.[21]

On 26 January,Republic Day,the SKM held a rally and the protesters tried to enterNew Delhi.[22][1]There was a clash between the protesters and police, which lead to injuries on both sides and the death of one protester. The SKM claimed the peaceful protest had been sabotaged by outside groups. The day after the protesters where back at the camps on the edge of capital.[1]

On 9 October 2021, Farmer unions termed theLakhimpur Kheri massacrean "act of terror"that was part of a larger conspiracy to break the 10-month-oldfarmers’ protest.The union said that this "massacre" during the farmer's movement was analogous to theJallianwala Bagh massacreduring theIndian freedom movement.The unions and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) planned several protests calling for the immediate dismissal and arrest of Union minister of state for home, Ajay Mishra Teni, and his son Ashish.[23][24][25]

2022 state assembly elections[edit]

SKM campaigned against the ruling BJP by organizing public meetings and rallies asking farmers to not vote for BJP.[26]SKM had organised the2020–2021 Indian farmers' protestagainst the controversialthree farm actswhich were passed by the BJP-ledUnion Governmentin theBJPcontrolledParliament of Indiain September 2020. These laws were eventually withdrawn by the Union government.[26]

On 31 January 2022, the farmer leaders observed "Vishwasghat Diwas"(treachery day) across India after the Union government failed to fulfill promises that were made to the farmers during the withdrawal of agitation against three farm laws. SKM leaders have warned that the farm laws may be re-introduced if BJP wins the elections.[27]

Politics[edit]

They see the three farm acts as has unwelcome impositions on farmers,[3]violating the constitution,[4][5][6][7]being anti-farmer,[7][5]and probig business.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]

The members of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and its supporters although ideologically diverse are united by their commitment to strategy of peaceful andolan (movement); and by the common minimum program of getting the Government to repeal the three farm acts, and make law to guaranteeminimum support price(MSP) for 23 crops.[15][16]

Organization[edit]

The SKM coalition includes farmers’ Unions fromPunjab,Haryana,Uttar Pradeshand other States. Other members include several regional affiliates of theBhartiya Kisan Union(BKU), including BKU (Rakesh Tikait faction), BKU Lakhowal (Harinder Singh Lakhowal), BKU Dakaunda (Buta Singh Burjgill), BKU Doaba (Manjit Singh Rai), BKU-Sidhupur, BKU-Rajewal and BKU-Chaduni.Other farmer's organisations that form part of SKM include: Krantikari Kisan Union,Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha(AIKS), Jamhoori Kisan Sabha (Kulwant Singh Sandhu), Kul Hind Kisan Federation (Prem Singh Bhangu), Satnam Singh Pannun,Punjab Kisan Union,SinghKrantikari Kisan Union and Swaraj India.[28][29]

Coordination Committee and Leaders[edit]

Samyukta Kisan Morcha represents the farmers' union in talks with the government, issues statements on behalf of all the unions, and coordinates the strategy and tactics between the disparate groups. SKM has a seven-member coordination committee which coordinates the work of the 'Morcha', engages in outreach with other farmers' unions, decides and coordinates media policy, briefs the media, addresses press conferences, issues statements, decides on strategy and tactics of the movement, responds to government letters and actions.[2]

The Seven Member Committee includes Jagjit Singh Dallewal (President BKU-Sidhupur), Dr. Darshan Pal (President Krantikari Kisan Union),Atul Kumar Anjan(National general secretary ofAll India Kisan Sabha),Hannan Mollah(National general secretary ofAll India Kisan Sabha (36 Canning Lane));Balbir Singh Rajewal(president BKU-Rajewal),Ashok Dhawale(National President ofAll India Kisan Sabha),Yogendra Yadav(President and founder of Swaraj India),Gurnam Singh Chaduni,Shiv Kumar Kakka.[28]

Legal Advisers[edit]

The lawyers advising the movement in its negotiations with the Government, and Supreme court on issues of law includeColin Gonsalves,Dushyant Dave,Prashant BhushanandH S Phoolka.[2][30]

Supporters[edit]

Samyukta Kisan Morcha has relationships with over 500 national farm and workers' unions with which it coordinates its action. Protests echoing the demands of the SKM, and in coordination with its actions and programs have taken place in large number of states includingMaharashtra,Rajasthan,Gujarat,Karnataka,Andhra Pradesh,Telangana,Tamil Nadu,Kerala,Assam,andManipur.[31][32][33][34][35]In addition, increasing number of trade union organizations have extented their support to program and actions of the SKM.[36][37]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abc"Farmers back at protest camp after deep challenge to PM Modi".The Independent.2021-01-27.Retrieved2021-03-14.
  2. ^abcdPress Trust of india (December 25, 2020)."Umbrella Body of Protesting Farmer Unions to Hold Meeting, Respond to Centre's Letter".The Economic Times.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^abYadav, Yogendra (December 10, 2020)."Modi Govt Gave an Unwanted Gift to Farmers. Now It Can't Even Handle Rejection".ThePrint.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  4. ^abSainath, P (December 10, 2020)."And You Thought It's Only about Farmers?".People’s Archive of Rural India.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  5. ^abcdBoparai, Aadil, Salman Khurshid (December 12, 2020)."Farm Laws Alter Bargaining Landscape in Favour of Corporate Players".The Indian Express.
  6. ^abBhattacharyya, Bishwajit (January 20, 2021)."How the Parliament Overstepped in Bringing the Three Farm Laws".The Wire.RetrievedJanuary 20,2021.
  7. ^abcdMitra, Barun S (February 18, 2021)."Everyone Agrees Farm Reforms Are Needed. Here's How Modi Govt Can Break Political Deadlock".ThePrint.RetrievedFebruary 18,2021.
  8. ^abcJagga, Raakhi (November 24, 2020).""Awaiting Farmer Unions in Delhi, Courtesy DSGMC: Langar, Rooms."".The Indian Express.RetrievedJanuary 14,2021.
  9. ^abSanyukt Kisan Morcha has a seven-member committee to coordinate the work of the Morcha. (January 1, 2021)."Sanyukt Kisan Morcha to Continue Movement till Fulfillment of Demands".The hitavada.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
  10. ^abParul (January 11, 2021)."Sainath: Farm Protest Is in Defence of Democracry, We're Reclaiming Republic".The Indian Express.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
  11. ^abD’Souza, Faye (September 22, 2020)."P Sainath Explains Why Farmers Are Protesting".Zoom.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  12. ^abKashyap, Sunil (December 17, 2020)."The rise of Modi is the rise of certain corporate houses: RLD's Jayant Chaudhary".Caravan.RetrievedFebruary 19,2021.
  13. ^abSainath, P (September 22, 2020)."Farm Bills Will Benefit Big Corporates, Not Farmer".Newsclick.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  14. ^abHebbar, Nistula (February 11, 2021)."Parliament Proceedings | Farm Laws Only to Benefit Two Friends, Says Rahul Gandhi".The Hindu.RetrievedFebruary 19,2021.
  15. ^abSingh, Shiv Inder (January 7, 2021)."Image That Modi Government Doesn't Retract Statements Is Shattered: BKU (EU) Head Joginder Ugrahan".The Caravan.RetrievedJanuary 14,2021.[permanent dead link]
  16. ^abcMishra, Himanshu Shekhar; Prabhu., Sunil (January 15, 2021)."120% Fail' Says Farmer Leader After 9th Round Of Talks With Centre".NDTV.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
  17. ^Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (January 15, 2021)."9th Round of Talks between Government and Farmers Unions Held In Vigyan Bhawan".Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
  18. ^Punia, Mandeep (January 2, 2021).""Far from Delhi, Frustrated with Leadership, Farmers at Rajasthan Sit-in Break Barricades."".The Caravan.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
  19. ^Chabbra, Ronak (January 18, 2021)."Eyes on R-Day Tractor Parade, Women Take Charge of Protest at Rajasthan-Haryana Border".NewsClick.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  20. ^Pasricha, Anjana (December 8, 2020)."India Farmer Protest Shuts Down Transportation, Food Markets Nationwide".Voice of America News / FIND. Washington, United States: Federal Information & News Dispatch, LLC.
  21. ^Kaushal, Ravi (January 1, 2021)."In Haryana's Palwal, the Farmers Protest Brings Down Longstanding Barriers".Newsclick.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  22. ^"India's Republic Day marked with massive farmer protests".The Independent.2021-01-26.Retrieved2021-03-14.
  23. ^"Farmer unions term Lakhimpur Kheri carnage 'a terror act'".telegraphindia.10 October 2021.Retrieved13 October2021.
  24. ^"Lakhimpur Kheri incident 'terror attack', part of 'pre-planned conspiracy', SKM alleges".9 October 2021.
  25. ^Jaiswal, Anuja (7 October 2021)."Lakhimpur Kheri incident no less than a terror attack, says Jayant Chaudhary, seeks UAPA against minister, son | Agra News - Times of India".The Times of India.TNN.Retrieved13 October2021.
  26. ^ab"यूपी चुनाव में योगी आदित्यनाथ और अमित शाह की नई टेंशन क्या है?".BBC News हिंदी(in Hindi). 4 February 2022.Retrieved8 February2022.
  27. ^"Anti-farmer laws may be back if BJP returns to power: SKM".Hindustan Times.9 February 2022.Retrieved9 February2022.
  28. ^ab"Farmer's protest".The Hindu.18 January 2021.
  29. ^Balaji, R (December 17, 2020)."Supreme Court to Form Panel on Farmers' Agitation".The Telegraph onLine.Archivedfrom the original on December 17, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
  30. ^Press Trust of India (December 17, 2020)."Farmer Leaders to Consult Senior Lawyers to Decide next Course of Action".The Economic Times.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^Firstpost (December 22, 2020)."Decision on next Round of Talks with Centre to Be Taken Tomorrow, Say Protesting Farmers".Firstpost.RetrievedDecember 30,2020.
  32. ^Schmall, Emily (December 4, 2020)."Indian Farmers' Protests Spread, in Challenge to Modi".The New York Times.
  33. ^Kisan Ekta Morcha. (December 31, 2020)."Latest Speech Balbir Singh Rajewal ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਐਲਾਨ4 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਦੀ ਰਣਨੀਤੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਦੱਸਿਆ।".Kisan Ekta Morcha.RetrievedDecember 31,2020.
  34. ^The Hindu (January 11, 2021)."Rally in Support of Farmers' Stir".The Hindu.RetrievedJanuary 11,2021.
  35. ^Newsclick Report (January 26, 2021)."Farmers Take to Roads Across Country on Republic Day, Several Detained in Gujarat".NewsClick.RetrievedJanuary 26,2021.
  36. ^Caravan, Desk (December 14, 2020)."Delhi's 50 Organisations Join Hands to Show Solidarity with Protesting Farmers".Caravan.Archived fromthe originalon December 14, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 18,2021.
  37. ^Gupta, Moushumi Das (January 20, 2021)."Modi Govt Offers to 'suspend' Farm Laws until Standoff Is Resolved, Awaits Farmers' Response".The Print.RetrievedJanuary 20,2021.

External links[edit]

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