Chandigarh, 25 January 2025: Farm groups protesting at Punjab-Haryana border points plan their third round of unity talks with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in Chandigarh on February 12. The talks aim to bridge differences ahead of a February 14 meeting between other farmer unions and the Centre.
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Raminder Singh Patiala, an SKM leader, confirmed the February 12 meeting, noting it as a significant effort to align on a common strategy. “The unity talks are crucial to strengthening our collective fight,” Patiala mentioned.
The meeting comes after two earlier rounds of discussions between SKM, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), and SKM (Non-Political) yielded no consensus. Divergences have persisted, particularly on priorities such as debt waivers, a legal assurance of a minimum support price (MSP), and concerns related to the draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. SKM maintains that the latter reflects elements of the repealed farm laws and requires urgent attention.
Notably, SKM representatives are not among those invited by the Centre for talks scheduled on February 14. KMM and SKM (Non-Political) coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed optimism about upcoming meetings but noted the lack of formal invitations. “We are committed to these discussions and hope for maximum unity to bolster our protest,” Pandher said.
While Pandher’s response to SKM’s emphasis on unity talks remained unclear, Patiala reiterated their primary focus is on the February 12 meeting.
Meanwhile, farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s indefinite fast reached 60 days on Friday. Despite the Supreme Court’s advice to seek a medical evaluation at Chandigarh’s PGI, Dallewal declined, opting instead for minimal aid since January 19.
Deputy Commissioner Priya Yadav and SSP Nanak Singh visited the protest site, later informing reporters of a slight improvement in his condition.
