Farm unions’ second round of talks ends in stalemate
The second round of talks between farm union leaders, including Ekta Resolution leaders, Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), SKM (Non Political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leaders, concluded without a resolution on January 18. The meeting, held at Patran, was part of an effort to forge unity among major farm unions and finalise a common minimum programme.
The representatives of SKM (Non Political), led by Dallewal, did not participate in the first meeting on December 22.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the two forums, said, “We have taken a step towards minimum unity, and our objective is maximum unity with farmer unions.” Pandher urged the panel members to prepone the next meeting, considering the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast unto death for 54 days.
The meeting lasted three hours, with prominent farmers’ leaders such as Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, and Sarwan Singh Pandher in attendance. The discussions centered around critical demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, and debt waiver.
Sukhjit Singh Hardo Jhande, who is on fast unto death for the past four days, had to leave the meeting as he was unwell. The health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal also deteriorated due to which the meeting was called off.
The next meeting date will be announced after the general body meeting of SKM leaders on January 24. Meanwhile, the Marjeevda Jatha will resume their Dilli Challo protest on January 21.