Farmers Movement Archive

Mahapanchayat on farm laws on Sept 5, says Naresh Tikait

Muzaffarnagar: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national president Naresh Tikait has called a 'kisan mahapanchayat' in Muzaffarnagar on September 5 - first in western Uttar Pradesh since the Covid second wave - to protest against the three "black" farm laws. It will be held under the aegis of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha - the umbrella body of various farm unions - which has been protesting at the Delhi borders for nearly a year. "We do not want any confrontation with this government. They have tried to destroy the reputation of farmers. We are still willing to talk, but our demands are the same as before - repeal the farm laws and give proper price to farmers for the produce," Tikait told the media recently. The 'mahapanchayat' will take place on the GIC grounds. Sanyukt Kisan Morcha members and farmers from various states will participate, Tikait said. Tikait also alleged that several BKU workers had been framed in fake cases. "So, we had plans to 'gherao' the local police on August 4, but after a meeting with senior police officers the issue has been resolved, for now." The "gherao" call was taken back on August 2. On the expected number of farmers, Shahid Alam, senior member of the BKU, said that over a lakh farmers had attended the 'mahapanchayat' on a short notice in January. "Just imagine how many farmers will come after a month's preparations. BKU workers are visiting all the villages to invite farmers and make them aware of the black laws," he added. Notably, in a massive show of strength, tens of thousands of farmers had reached Muzaffarnagar’s GIC grounds with Tricolour and tractors to take part in the earlier 'mahapanchayat' called by Tikait in January. Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary and AAP MP Sanjay Singh were present on that occasion.

The Times of India

2021-08-10

Meerut