SKM to protest against Free Trade Agreements
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), Haryana, has announced state-wide protests against Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) being pursued by the Union Government in the agricultural sector.
At a meeting held in Rohtak on Friday, the SKM declared that demonstrations would be staged across all district and tehsil offices in the state on August 13. Effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump will be burnt during the protests.
SKM leaders alleged that the Trump administration had pushed for an FTA with India in the agriculture sector that would be detrimental to Indian farmers.
“If the government enters into this agreement in the dairy sector, nearly eight crore dairy farmers and others associated with animal husbandry will be directly affected,” they maintained.
The SKM also announced a state-level convention to be held in Narwana on August 31 to oppose the Smart Meter Scheme being implemented by the BJP-led government.
The Morcha criticised the decision to install smart and rechargeable meters and the move to privatise the Power Department through the Electricity Amendment Act, calling it a breach of promises made during the suspension of the farmers’ agitation.
“The government’s decision to install smart meters is a betrayal of the assurances given to farmers,” they said.
It was resolved that no village in the state would allow replacement of electricity meters and a formal declaration to that effect would be issued at the Narwana convention.
Expressing serious concern over the waterlogging crisis in hundreds of villages across multiple districts, the Morcha urged the state government to drain the water from affected areas, assess the damage through a special girdawari, and provide immediate compensation to farmers through the appropriate portal.
The SKM also extended its support to farmers staging dharnas at Loharu and Badhra over the issue of crop insurance, protesters at IMT Rojka Meo and the agitating staff of PGIMS, Rohtak.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Inderjit Singh, Satyawan and Satish.
Haryana Tribune