SKM (Non-Political) withdraws from unity dialogue ahead of meeting

In a sudden turn of events, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) has withdrawn from the scheduled third round of Ekta (unity) talks with SKM (All-India). The decision came hours before the meeting to be held in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

This has led to speculations about fissures between the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), led by Sarwan Singh Pandher, and the SKM (Non-Political), headed by Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Both groups have been protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri since February 13 last year.

On Monday, both outfits had agreed to send their delegations to Chandigarh for unity talks. KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher reiterated that they would participate in the scheduled meeting in Chandigarh to strengthen unity among farm unions. “We believe collective efforts are essential for achieving our common goals,” Pandher said.

However, SKM (Non-Political) leaders, including Kaka Singh Kotra and Abhimanyu Kohar, announced in Bathinda that they would not attend the meeting. “The unity meeting was called on January 24 without consulting us, while we had already announced to hold mahapanchayats at Rattanpura, Khanauri and Shambhu on February 11, 12 and 13, respectively. Since we are engaged with these programmes, we cannot send any delegation,” Kohar said.

Despite repeated enquiries, the leaders did not clarify why it took them over 15 days to decline the invitation for unity talks.

Raminder Singh Patiala, a member of the SKM (All-India), confirmed that their forum had received a letter from the SKM (Non-Political) stating their inability to attend the meeting. “They have requested to reschedule the next round of unity talks after their discussions with the government panel on February 14. However, we are proceeding with our planned talks with KMM representatives. We appreciate Sarwan Singh Pandher’s commitment to unity,” Patiala said.

“In their letter, the SKM (Non-Political) mentioned that they agree with most of the demands outlined in the Moga resolution. We are eager to understand which points they oppose,” he added.

According to sources, Khanauri Morcha leaders withdrew from the talks after some KMM leaders suggested to include SKM (All-India) leaders like Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal and Dr Darshan Pal in the February 14 meeting with the Centre.