Hoshiarpur/Moga, Jan 26: Tractor marches organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) moved through various districts of Punjab on Monday as farmers renewed their push for several legislative demands. The demonstrations coincide with the anniversary of the 2021 Republic Day protests and focus on the immediate withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Farmers used the platform to voice opposition to the Seeds Bill 2025 and the current labor codes while seeking a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. The protest further called for the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to support rural livelihoods.
In the Hoshiarpur region, the Doaba Kisan Committee coordinated a significant procession in Mukerian. Led by unit president Avtar Singh Bobby, the marchers traveled from the Bhangala Grain Market through several key locations, including Mata Rani Chowk and the local SDM office. Similar gatherings were noted in Dasuya and Garhdiwala, where tractors moved through major intersections before concluding at Bahga village.
Doaba Kisan Committee President Jangveer Singh Chauhan, who led a march of more than 60 tractors in Tanda, noted that the central policies are impacting the agricultural sector.
“The government is taking decisions that favor the privatization of cooperative institutions,” Chauhan said during an address to the gathering at Tanda-Urmur.
General Secretary Prithipal Singh Guraiy also mentioned that the administration must address the overpricing of fertilizers. He said that strict action is necessary against dealers who are exploiting farmers through inflated rates.
The Moga district saw participation from several unions, including representatives from Bharti Kisan Union (Totewal), Hind Kisan Sabha, and BKU (Rajewal). Officials stated that the demonstrations remained peaceful and concluded without any untoward incidents across the various protest sites.
