Farmers and Labourers Stage Large-Scale Protests Across Multiple States
The All India Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), a coalition of farmers and labourers, organized large-scale protests across 12 different locations in the district on Monday.
Protest Demands
- Immediate Availability of Urea Fertiliser: The KMM leaders demanded that urea be made available to farmers as per their requirements, at government-approved rates.
- Strict Action Against Black Marketing: The organisation called for stringent action against private dealers involved in black marketing of urea.
- No Land Acquisition without Farmer Consent: The morcha opposed the acquisition of agricultural land in several states, demanding that no land be acquired without the consent of farmers.
- No India-US Trade Agreement: The organisation opposed the proposed India-US trade and agriculture agreement, citing concerns that increased imports of cheaper agricultural products could harm Indian farmers.
Protests Held at Multiple Locations
The protests were held at the following locations:
- Golden Gate
- Rayya
- Jandiala Guru
- Mehta Chowk
- Kathunangal Toll Plaza
- Majitha
- Khiala Kalan
- Ramdas
- Gaggomahal Chowk
- Ajnala
- Lopoke
- Khasa
Reasons Behind Protests
The KMM leaders stated that the protests were held in response to the following issues:
- Fertiliser Shortages: A serious shortage of urea fertiliser had emerged across the country, leaving farmers unable to obtain fertiliser at the government-approved rates.
- Rising Fuel Prices: The protesters highlighted the rising prices of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas, stating that increasing fuel costs had sharply raised agricultural expenses and household budgets.
- Forced Land Acquisition: The organisation alleged that fertile farmland was being acquired in the name of development, leading to displacement and economic hardship for farming families.