Punjab: Farmer unions held third round of unity talks, meeting remained inconclusive

Punjab: The meeting between Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leaders to forge unity among all farm unions remained inconclusive due to the absence of any representative from Jagjit Singh Dallewal-led Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). Though farmer leaders from SKM, its ally BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) and KMM claimed that they were “getting closer to unity”, the absence of any representative from SKM (Non-Political) indicated the contrary. Farmer leaders, who held discussions for nearly three hours, said unity among all farmer unions is necessary to make the government accept their demands. BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan said, “We will hold a meeting again to forge unity. This is the third round of talks and we are making progress.” Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said it is an ongoing process and they are making efforts to bring all unions together. Sarwan Singh Pandher, who led a seven-member KMM delegation to the meeting, said, “We want unity among all farm unions, just like we united against the three farm laws in 2020. We will be able to force the government to accept our demands only if we are united. SKM (non-political) leaders were busy with the mahapanchayat in Dhabi Gujra today. But we have decided to hold a common protest. I will take this message to the SKM (non-political) leadership,” he said. SKM (non-political) leaders have been protesting at the Khanauri border for the past one year. Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast since the end of November. KMM leaders have been protesting in Shambhu since February last year. Today marks one year of their protest. Asked whether SKM leaders would also attend the meeting with Centre representatives on Friday, SKM leader Raminder Singh Patiala said it was not on the agenda of today’s meeting. Pandher later said that the members of the delegation to meet the central team would be decided later. Pandher also said that they would oppose any move by the Punjab government to impose stamp duty on property transfer between blood relatives. Farmer leaders also demanded that a session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha be convened immediately to reject the draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.