Farmers, labour unions hold protest in Amritsar over privatisation, installation of smart meters

On a call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Bharat, Punjab chapter, protests against privatisation policies were held here on Thursday. Under the programme, demonstrators removed smart electricity meters and submitted them to nearby power offices, alleging that the move was aimed at benefitting corporate sector at the cost of common people.

The union leaders said the protest was held against policies being implemented under the influence of international institutions such as the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which, they alleged, promote corporate-friendly laws against the interests of Indian citizens. Large public participation was witnessed during the protests, reflecting anger against the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Punjab Government headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Addressing the protesters, Morcha leaders alleged that the Centre was imposing “anti-people” laws and undermining India’s federal structure by forcing legislation in areas that fall under the jurisdiction of states, including electricity, seeds, agricultural research, water, education and farming. They further alleged that the Punjab Government, instead of opposing these measures, was collaborating with the Centre to implement corporate-oriented policies.

The union leaders also accused the state government of attempting to suppress ongoing movements through social media and administrative pressure. It warned that the impact of such policies would not be limited to farmers and labourers but would also hurt small traders, shopkeepers and street vendors, as online trade and large shopping malls were gradually pushing them out of business.

Resolutions were passed highlighting issues such as rising drug abuse in Punjab, unemployment among youth, deteriorating law and order, and alleged failure of both the Centre and the state government to address these concerns.

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced that it would intensify the agitation in the coming days, including a programme on February 5, to gherao the residences of MLAs and ministers across Punjab, and appealed to the public to participate in large numbers.

Several farmer and labour organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Punjab, BKU Krantikari, BKU Doaba, BKU Azad, BKU Behramke, Kisan Mazdoor Hitkari Sabha, BKU Bhinderi and BKMU, among others, participated in the protest under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Bharat, Punjab chapter.