SKM Writes Open Letter To PM Modi, Urges Him To Resume Talks Over 6 More Demands

Public Lokpal
November 22, 2021

New Delhi: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid down its six-point charter of demands, failing which its agitation will continue. One of the main conditions put forth by the farmers is that the government guarantee the purchase of crops at a support price.

He has written in his six-point demands-

1. "Minimum support price based on the entire cost of cultivation (C2+50%) should be made a legal entitlement of all farmers, above all agricultural produce, so that every farmer of the country will get at least the government grant for his entire crop." Guaranteed purchase at the declared Minimum Support Price.

2. Withdraw the draft "Electricity Act Amendment Bill, 2020/2021" proposed by the government (during the talks, the government had promised that it would be withdrawn, but then it was included in the Parliament's agenda in defiance) .

3. Remove the provisions of punishment to farmers in the "Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021 in the National Capital Region and its allied areas" (This year the government removed some anti-farmer provisions but again farmers through section 15 has been given scope for punishment).

The farmers have been disappointed due to lack of concrete announcement on these big demands in your address. The farmer had hoped that by this historic movement, not only would the three laws be averted, but he would also get a legal guarantee for the price of his hard work.

4. Thousands of farmers have been implicated in hundreds of cases during this movement (June 2020 till date) in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and many other states. These cases should be withdrawn immediately.

Ajay Mishra Teni, the mastermind of Lakhimpur Kheri murder case and accused of section 120B, is still roaming freely and remains a minister in your cabinet. He is also sharing the stage with you and other senior ministers. He should be sacked and arrested.

6. During this movement so far about 700 farmers have given martyrdom. There should be a system of compensation and rehabilitation of their families. To build a martyr memorial in the memory of the martyr farmers, land should be given on the Indus border.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha further stated that they wanted to return back to their homes, families and land as soon as possible. “If you (PM Modi) also want the same, then the government should immediately start talks with the United Kisan Morcha on the above six issues. Till then the United Kisan Morcha will continue this movement according to its predetermined program,” the organisation asserted.