Farmers to erect pakka morcha from February 21, khaps advised SKM

UCHANA KALAN/JIND: Farmers under Haryana SKM announced the commencement of a 'pakka morcha' (permanent dharna) by blocking one side of the Delhi-Patiala national highway in front of the Uchana Kalan tehsil premises in Jind district from the evening of February 21. A mahapanchayat was held in Uchana Kalan town of Jind district on Tuesday, with all 24 khaps and various farmer unions participating to discuss the ongoing Kisan Andolan-2. While both bodies made different decisions regarding the matter, they emphasized their continued support for the protest.

Haryana SKM passed four resolutions, including the initiation of a 'pakka morcha,' a demand to restore internet services, the release of farmers arrested by Haryana police, and the removal of barricades placed at various points by state police. After staging protests outside BJP offices on February 21, Haryana SKM will initiate a permanent dharna in Uchana Kalan town as a symbol of unity with Punjab farmers, stated Azad Palwa, a Jind-based farmer unionist leading the protest in the Bangar area.

Furthermore, khaps in the Bangar area, including Kandela khap, Dalal, Barah, Ujhana, Daharan, Nehra, Majra, Chahal, Thuwa Tapa, Khera, Binain khap, and others present at the event, urged sanyukt kisan morcha (SKM) to unite all unions at the national level again and issue directions to achieve uniformity. They emphasized that SKM should not turn it into a fight for honor and leadership but should take a stand in favor of the farmer fraternity. Divided efforts will not win the fight, and everyone needs to come together on one platform. Khaps pledged to follow only SKM in the future and urged SKM leaders to make decisive calls in the ongoing agitation, or be prepared to lose the struggle.

Balbir Singh, state president of Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha, reported that around 15 security personnel and 100 farmers have been injured in the ongoing protest. He expressed deep concern about injuries on both sides and emphasized that it's time to respond to BJP leaders. Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha is committed to supporting the protest and will act as per the calls given by SKM, vowing not to step down.

Om Prakash Kandela, head of Kandela khap, remarked that the nation is facing an undeclared emergency. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for weakening opposition parties and suppressing voices raised for rights. Kandela urged SKM to play an active role in uniting every union for the greater cause of saving the nation.