5 farm unions express support for SKM’s tractor march against land pooling policy

Five farmer unions have announced their support for the Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s (SKM) call for a tractor march on July 30, protesting Punjab’s proposed land pooling policy.

The unions backing the protest include Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari), Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bahramke), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhatteri) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Leaders from these unions expressed strong opposition to what they described as a state-sponsored plan to forcibly acquire fertile agricultural land from farmers on the pretext of development.

“The land pooling policy is essentially an attempt to seize farmers’ land without compensation,” the unions declared, emphasising that no productive land should be handed over under any circumstances.

The five organisations have already staged a protest at the Ludhiana DC office, marking the beginning of their resistance. Their support for SKM’s tractor march is the next step in escalating pressure on the state government.

In their press statement, union heads Baldev Singh Jeera, Dilbagh Singh Gill, Jang Singh Bhatteri, Balwant Singh Bahramke and Malkit Singh Gulamiwala warned villagers not to fall prey to misleading promises. They accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs and leaders of spreading false narratives in villages, including claims of increased subsistence allowances. The unions urged strong local resistance against such tactics and cautioned farmers against consenting to any land deals.