Kirti Kisan Union pays tribute to martyrs of farmers’ movement

The Kirti Kisan Union (KKU) paid tribute to martyrs of the farmers’ movement, including Baldev Singh Mann, Sarabjit Singh Bhittewad, Angrez Singh Kamalpura and Kabal Singh Lashkari Nangal, acknowledging their sacrifices. Leaders of the KKU, including state general secretary Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala, state vice-president Jatinder Singh Chhina and state press secretary Raminder Singh Patiala, emphasised the need for a new order in the farmers’ movement due to changing agricultural conditions.

The leaders said state’s agriculture faces a severe underground water crisis due to two crop cycles of sowing wheat-paddy. The union advocated a shift from paddy cultivation to pro-nature, pro-farmer and sustainable farming models. They demanded that Punjab government should provide MSP for crops like basmati, maize, moong, potato, peas, etc.

The union demanded from the government to ensure that canal water reaches every field for irrigation and household for drinking purposes. They also called for opening trade with Pakistan and other countries through Wagah and Hussainiwala border to boost Punjab’s agriculture, trade and business.

Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Vala warned the Central Government against signing a free trade agreement (FTA) on US President Donald Trump’s terms, emphasising that it should not compromise on farmers’ interests. The union leaders, along with other farmers, labourers and employee leaders, addressed a gathering, highlighting the need for collective action to address these concerns.