Kurukshetra, Feb 15: A coalition of farmer unions under the Haryana Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha is preparing for a significant three-day demonstration in Kurukshetra starting February 23. The organization is demanding a withdrawal of the India–US trade deal, which they assert favors corporate interests over the welfare of local agricultural workers.
The agitation will commence with a march from Devi Lal Park to the residence of the Chief Minister. Organizers expect thousands of participants to join a scheduled torch march on the second day of the sit-in. Prior to the main event in Kurukshetra, the morcha will organize district-level protests on February 17 and 18, involving the symbolic burning of effigies of key state and international leaders.
“The government had promised to double farmers’ income, but its policies have instead pushed them deeper into debt,” maintained Bhadur Mehla during the press conference. He also pointed to alleged irregularities in paddy procurement as a significant blow to the community’s economic stability.
Leaders including Jagdeep Singh Aulakh and Mandeep Nathwan expressed that the current trade negotiations could prove disastrous for the sector. “The India–US trade deal is seen as a conspiracy against farmers,” noted Aulakh, affirming that the morcha would lead a sustained movement to halt the agreement. The group is calling for a policy shift that prioritizes debt relief and fair procurement practices over global trade concessions.
