1 Lakh Tractors to Roll Out as Farmers Intensify Protest Against Centre

1 Lakh Tractors to Roll Out as Farmers Intensify Protest Against Centre

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Punjab is all set to witness a huge tractor march today as over 1 lakh tractors are expected to take to the roads between 12 noon and 3 PM in a show of strength against the Centre. The protest, spearheaded by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and supported by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been called to draw attention towards the ongoing demands of farmers, including a legally guaranteed MSP for crops.

The convener of Kisan Mazdoor Mahasabha, Sarwan Singh Pandher, said they are expecting over five lakh tractors to stage protests across the country at more than 500 places. “This march is a representation of our unity and determination towards getting our rights,” said Pandher.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the historic year-long protest in 2020-21 against the now-repealed central agriculture laws, has also planned similar tractor rallies across the country. These marches coincide with unity talks among farmer unions, scheduled for February 12, to strengthen their collective movement.

This year’s protest assumes significance because it is a small shopkeepers and traders protest. Farmer leaders have been stating that e-commerce giants and corporate-owned malls have affected the small shopkeepers and traders negatively.

Our struggle isn’t just for farmers but also for small business owners who are being sidelined by corporate entities. We will gather near BJP leaders’ residences, corporate-owned grain storage facilities, toll plazas, and shopping malls,” said Pandher, referring to a study by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which reported the closure of nearly 2 lakh grocery stores in the past year.

While the SKM (Non-Political) is asking for the SKM leadership to move forward with February 12 unification talks, the discussions must continue to hold the protesting bodies together. Another leader from the SKM (Non-Political), Sukhjit Singh Hardo Jhande said that they themselves have their rally planned on February 12. It is an anniversary of the protest they have been carrying out in the past year.

In the midst of all this enthusiasm, tragedy struck at the protest site in Khanauri when 55-year-old farmer Bhima Singh from Muktsar collapsed, possibly due to a stroke. He was immediately rushed to a hospital where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Protest action by farmers stands firm. “Our struggle will continue till all the demand is fulfilled,” reiterated Pandher. With tractors moving out today, this march serves as a reminder that the strength and commitment of India’s farmers toward justice are not easily decimated or defeated.