Bathinda, 11 February 2025: The non-political faction of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has refused to attend a meeting scheduled for February 12, signaling a lack of unity within the farmer groups.
This comes as Punjab and Haryana farmers continue their struggle over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands, with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on a hunger strike for over a month.
Speaking in Bathinda ahead of the Maha Panchayat in Rajasthan, farmer leaders from the non-political SKM noted they could not accept the meeting invitation sent by the main SKM faction.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar mentioned that the non-political SKM is holding a Maha Panchayat on the Punjab-Haryana and Rajasthan borders from February 11 to 13.
He noted that prior coordination was necessary before scheduling the meeting, but no prior discussion took place. He clarified that he would not be attending.
He further mentioned the need for unity among farmer organizations and urged them to join the ongoing struggle at Khanauri.
Regarding government talks, Kohar said farmer organizations across the country have been asked to provide suggestions to ensure their demands are properly presented.
He noted opposition to the agricultural draft sent secretly by the central government and stated it would not be accepted under any circumstances.
He also appealed to political factions within SKM to consult with the non-political wing before finalizing any programs to ensure broader participation.
The non-political SKM will commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Shubh Karan, a young farmer from Ballo village in Bathinda who was shot during the Delhi march, with a tribute ceremony in his village.
Several farmer leaders, including Kaka Singh Kotra, Abhimanyu Kohar, Sukhjinder Singh Khosa, Lakhwinder Singh Naseeb Singh, and Gurdas Singh, attended the event.
