Setting preconditions for unity talks not right: Pandher

A day after Joginder Singh Ugrahan, chief of the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), stated that they had not received any response from the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) regarding the third round of talks for forging “Ekta” (unity), KMM chief Sarwan Singh Pandher reaffirmed his commitment to further unity talks, but not with a precondition of setting rules and regulation.

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“We had never backed out of talks. In fact, we were the first ones to initiate talks. We wrote two letters to the SKM (All-India), urging it to set aside differences and join the struggle. While differences of opinion persist, we believe meetings should continue, which is why we introduced the Ekta resolution,” said Pandher.

He emphasised that both SKM (Non-Political) and KMM were keen on bringing farmers together on a common platform, but SKM (All-India) remained more focused on framing of rules and regulations.

“We have been in this struggle for over a year, and 40 farmers have lost their lives. Our view is that the protest should have a common objective. First, the SKM (All-India) should actively join the protest, even if at a different location, and then discussions on rules and regulations can follow,” he added.

If an immediate consensus is not reached, Pandher proposed the formation of a 12-member national coordination committee with six representatives from each farmers’ forum. The committee would determine the extent of unity.