Image Courtesy:indiagardening.com

Thousands of employees associated with the Democratic Employees' Federation and the Punjab Subordinate Service Federation have set off to join Delhi protest sites on April 11, 2021, to maintain the farmers’ struggle vigour during wheat harvest.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders on April 7 said full preparations have been undertaken to strengthen the protest sites. “The movement will not be allowed to weaken in any manner,” said the SKM in a press release.

While wheat farmers prepared for this year’s harvest, cotton farmers strongly condemned the increase in Bt cotton seed prices by Rs. 37 per packet by the central government. Calling it an attack on farmers, they said the new prices will put an additional burden of Rs. 14 crores on Punjab farmers alone. 

“Last year, the price was fixed at Rs. 730 per packet, whereas the supply of seeds for this season started at Rs. 767 per packet. Farmers of Malwa belt of Punjab as well as cotton growers in other parts of India will be affected by this price rise,” said SKM leaders.

They also warned the central government against falling short of their commitment to withdraw the Draft Electricity Amendment Bill. Any re-introduction and passing of the Bill would be a reneging on the commitment made, and would lead to an intensification of the agitation, warned SKM leader Darshan Pal.

Meanwhile, Haryana farmer unions warned BJP and JJP leaders that their social boycott will continue and that leaders should refrain from participation in public programs anywhere in the state. Earlier, leaders issued an ultimatum to this effect as a response to the anti-farmer attitude and behaviour.

Farmers took such actions against the backdrop of Tuesday protests against BJP State President OP Dhankar and BJP MP Nayab Singh Saini, and MLA Gopal Kanda – the State Lok Hit Party President, who voted against a recent No Confidence Motion against Khattar government – in Sirsa on Wednesday. Police used water cannons on protesting farmers. However, the SKM appealed to farmers to remain peaceful in their social boycott of anti-farmer politicians.

Further, the SKM noted that a member of the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission resigned from her post in support of the farmers' movement and invited other BJP leaders to quit their posts too.

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