Haryana farmers to hold three-day sit-in against India–US trade deal from Feb 23

A state-level meeting of the Haryana Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha was held on Thursday at the Dera Kar Sewa. Representatives from various farmer organisations strongly opposed the India–US trade deal and announced a major agitation across Haryana. The morcha declared a three-day “Mahapadav” (mass sit-in) at the Chief Minister’s residence in Kurukshetra from February 23 to 25.

Speaking to the media, Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, state core committee member of the BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram); Bhadur Mehla, spokesperson for the BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram); Mandeep Nathwan, state president of the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti; Amarjeet Mohri; and other senior leaders outlined their plans. Farmers from across Haryana will gather at the Devi Lal Park on February 23 before marching to the CM’s residence to begin the sit-in. On February 24, a torch march will be held in Kurukshetra city, with thousands expected to join it.

“As part of the protest programme, effigies of US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will be burnt in all districts of Haryana on February 17 and 18,” said Aulakh.

He alleged that the India–US trade deal would prove disastrous for Indian farmers. He accused the Central government of conspiring against farmers and favouring domestic and foreign corporate interests.

Mehla said although the government had promised to double farmers’ income, its policies had instead pushed them deeper into debt. Farmer leaders warned of a large-scale movement to halt the trade deal, with Haryana leading under the morcha banner.

Mehla also raised concerns over a multi-crore paddy procurement scam in Haryana mandis. He alleged that after the scam surfaced, the government cut pensions of elderly farmers, dealing a “double blow” to the farming community.