PUCL urges PM to resolve farmers’ protests amid escalating crisis
HARISH MONGA
December 23, 2024: The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) - Founder: Jayaprakash Narayan; President: VM Tarkunde - has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the demands of farmers protesting for over 10 months at Punjab's Khanauri and Shambhu borders. The demands include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a comprehensive loan waiver.
The PUCL expressed shock at the government’s indifference, particularly toward Jagjit Singh Dallewal, 73, leader of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), whose 27-day fast unto death has left him critically ill, with doctors warning of imminent cardiac arrest and organ failure. Despite this, no government representatives have engaged with the protesters.
The PUCL criticized the government’s disregard for dissent, stating it undermines India’s democratic values. The farmers’ grievances date back to the 2021–2022 Delhi border protests, during which the government promised a legal MSP guarantee but failed to deliver. Frustrated by inaction, farmers mobilized under SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, attempting to march to Delhi in February 2023. Their efforts were blocked at Punjab-Haryana borders, leading to clashes, injuries, and police action.
After months of government inaction, Dallewal began his hunger strike on November 26, 2024. Farmers have since organized peaceful protests, including marches, Rail Roko Andolan, and a Punjab bandh call for December 30.
The protesters demand: Legal MSP Guarantee for all crops, Withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022, opposing reforms and smart meter installations, Comprehensive Loan Waivers for farmers, Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri Victims, including fair trials and compensation, Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation for deceased farmers' families.
PUCL urged the Supreme Court to release its report on farmers’ demands and called on the government to engage with leaders like Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. Addressing these demands, PUCL emphasized, is vital to upholding democracy and ensuring justice for the nation’s farmers.