Khaps back farmers’ protest, call for tractor march on January 26

In a show of solidarity with farmers, several khap panchayats in Haryana have pledged support to the ongoing protests against the Centre's agricultural policies. During a coordination committee meeting at the Jat Dharamshala in Hisar, prominent khap representatives announced their participation in the nationwide tractor march planned for January 26.

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Leaders representing major khaps, including Ramphal Rathi (Maham Chaubisi Khap), Jaipal Dahiya (Dahiya Khap), Balwan Malik (Saatbaas), Harikesh (Khatkar Khap), Virender Bamal (Satrol Khap), Suresh Phogat (Phogat Khap), Om Prakash Hooda (Hooda Khap) and Billu Pradhan (Kadian Khap), were present at the meeting.

“We have decided to fully support the farmers’ agitation and will ensure maximum participation in the tractor march on January 26,” said Satish Singh, chairperson of the coordination committee.

The leaders demanded immediate action from the Central government. “If the demands are not met by February 14, we will launch a stronger farmers’ movement. The government will be responsible for the consequences,” warned the khap leaders, assuring farmers of their backing with manpower and resources.

The khap leaders emphasised the importance of unity among farmer organisations. Ramphal Rathi of Maham Chaubisi Khap mentioned a prior meeting of 100 khap panchayats in Baas village, Hisar, on December 29, which called for collective action. “We are satisfied that farmer organisations have displayed unity,” he said.

The leaders also called on the Haryana Government to repeal its new agricultural policy draft, following Punjab’s example. Criticising the government’s handling of the protests, Satish Singh stated, “Despite assurances, cases against protesting farmers during the agitation in Kheri Chopta remain unresolved. Instead, farmers are still being served notices, which is unacceptable.”

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is set to hold a national meeting on January 24 to finalise plans for a unified struggle. Satish Singh highlighted that the khaps urged the Haryana Government to honour its commitments and criticised delays in resolving farmers’ grievances.

The leaders also praised Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s contributions to the farmers' movement. They stressed that the government must act promptly to avoid nationwide unrest. “The time for talks is over; the government must deliver tangible results,” they warned.