No invitation from Centre yet, willing to engage if called: SKM, Punjab farm body
Representatives from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), a prominent farmer union from Punjab, expressed disappointment on Wednesday over not receiving an invitation for talks from the Centre. They stated their willingness to engage with the government should they be called.
The AIKS leaders were in the national capital protesting against the continued crop damage caused by stray animals and demanded urgent action to address their issues. Despite Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiating a weekly dialogue with farmers and farm unions on Tuesday, AIKS representatives revealed that they had not been invited to the discussions.
Protest crop damage by stray animals
- The All India Kisan Sabha leaders were in the national capital protesting against the continued crop damage caused by stray animals
- Despite Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiating a weekly dialogue with farmers and farm unions on Tuesday, AIKS representatives revealed that they had not been invited to the discussions
- In the first round of talks, Chouhan met with 50 representatives of the BKU (Apolitical) and assured them that their concerns would be addressed
In the first round of talks held on Tuesday, Chouhan met with 50 representatives of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Apolitical) and assured them that their concerns, including those related to Minimum Support Price (MSP), would be addressed.
“We are ready to engage with the government if given the chance,” said Baljit Singh Grewal, general secretary of AIKS, Punjab. He pointed out that AIKS had already submitted several memoranda to the government, including a detailed demand charter handed over by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). “But no invitation for talks has come to us yet,” he added.
Vijoo Krishnan, general secretary of AIKS, emphasised that the SKM, which is the largest farmers’ platform with over 1.5 crore members, had not been called for talks either. “Neither SKM nor AIKS, which is a part of the SKM, has been approached by the government,” Krishnan stated.
Government sources clarified that the series of dialogues will include farmers and farm unions from across India and will take place every Tuesday. “We will invite everyone,” a senior Agriculture Ministry official said.
Krishnan further expressed frustration that despite SKM’s repeated requests for dialogue with the Centre, they have not been given the opportunity. “The Centre is currently meeting with friendly unions,” he said, adding that in a democracy, dialogue is the only way forward. SKM and AIKS are prepared to discuss farmers’ issues with the government once invited.
AIKS leaders also revealed that they had sought an appointment with Chouhan to address the damage caused to crops by stray animals, but the minister is currently out of Delhi. “We hope to meet him soon,” Krishnan said.
