Punjab: President refuses to meet SKM leaders

Punjab: Samyukt Kisan Morcha chairperson Draupadi Murmu has refused to meet representatives of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha due to lack of time. The SKM has received a letter from the President’s Office, stating that their request was considered by the President but could not be accepted due to lack of time. The SKM had earlier sought his intervention in resolving the farmers’ issues. A statement issued by the Morcha said, “The SKM appreciates President Murmu for considering their request for an appointment and responding in writing. However, it expresses deep regret that the President could not agree to meet the farmers’ delegation due to lack of time.”

However, it expressed hope that the Rashtrapati Bhavan “will review its decision on this important request for his intervention, as PM Narendra Modi and the Supreme Court have so far been unable to take constructive steps to resolve the impasse and save the life of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast for the last 41 days.” The statement further said that as the head of state of India, it is her responsibility to assist the constitutional institutions of the executive and the judiciary, follow the time-tested democratic principles of governance and hold discussions with the farmers. Citing the draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, the statement said, “Instead of holding discussions to resolve their grievances, the NDA government is facilitating a fresh assault on agriculture and livelihoods of farmers, workers, small traders and small producers and the federal rights of state governments by agribusiness corporations through the introduction of the new draft policy, which is even more dangerous than the three farm laws now repealed.”