New Delhi, Nov 29 (Agency) The government tries to avoid addressing other demands being raised by the farmers’ movement though opposition parties are putting pressure on the Centre to take up these issues, SKM said in a statement. The anti-farmer farm laws get repealed, however, the development was marred by the fact that there was no debate allowed on the Bill tabled to repeal these laws, which were brought in first as Ordinances in June 2020 and later as legislations in September 2020 but ironically, without any debate allowed at that time too, said Samyukt Kishan Morcha, in a statement. In most state APMC Acts, farmers already have the freedom to sell their produce to any buyer at any place of their choice and such a freedom was not given for the first time by the government as is being claimed, any so-called freedom without protection from exploitation is meaningless. The eco-system that was sought to be created in deregulated spaces is meant for corporates and traders and not for farmers.
The fact that these laws were enacted in an unconstitutional manner has not been admitted to, even now. The claim on extensive consultations with farmers has been belied from the fact that a very large section of farmers who have been protesting, have clearly already told the government that they have never been consulted. By now, the farm laws and their adverse impacts on a large section of citizens, as well as the government’s anti-farmer policies stand clearly exposed, said SKM. Even as the development of repeal of three farm laws took place today, more than 686 farmers have sacrificed their lives in a peaceful and persistent protest. The responsibility for this massive human cost lies with the government, said SKM. The protesting farmers have been waiting patiently and they hope that their pending demands are to be addressed.
On another demand related to withdrawal of cases filed against protesting farmers, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar indicated that he will do as per the Centre’s instructions. In regard to cases in locations like Delhi and Chandigarh, in any case the Centre has a direct say, while in the BJP ruled states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and MP, where many cases have been filed, the Centre’s decision is awaited. The government cannot escape its responsibility with regard to this demand, or all other pending demands including on withdrawal of electricity amendments bill, around compensation to kin of martyrs, a martyr memorial and about sacking of Ajay Mishra Teni, said SKM. In local elections in Rajasthan, it has been noted that some candidates are claiming themselves to be representing Samyukt Kisan Morcha. SKM clarifies that it has no candidates in any elections anywhere, and appeals that citizens should not be misled by anyone claiming to be an SKM candidate.