Farmers Movement Archive

All set for Kisan Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar on Sunday; Tikait calls it ‘historic moment’

Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, September 4Around late January, the optics of farmer leader Rakesh Tikait breaking down and saying that he “would rather commit suicide than leave and end the protest against the farm laws” led to a hastily-called ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh where it was decided that the Ghazipur agitation the three central farm laws will continue, giving it a new lease of life.His brother and BKU president Naresh Tikait had earlier called off the agitation at the Delhi-UP border site in the turn of events following the infamous January 26 protest.The first ‘mahapanchayat’ not only did Ghazipur revive with farmers from UP and Haryana joining in, support also grew at other protest sites like Singhu and Tikri. What followed was a string of ‘kisan mahapanchayats’ at various locations, including in Haryana and Western UP, and an increase in the stature of Rakesh Tikait.The farmers protesting against the three central laws are again assembling for a ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ in the GIC grounds of Muzaffarnagar on Sunday.The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions spearheading the stir, says farmers from UP, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Maharashtra will take part in it, adding that mobilisation meetings have taken place in several places in these states.“It is impossible to tell a figure, but I can promise people will be there in large numbers. No one can stop the farmers from reaching the venue. If they are stopped, they will force their way there,” Rakesh Tikait has been quoted as saying.Meanwhile, Tikait has urged the masses to be a part of “historic event” which is being seen as a show of strength against the BJP’s Yogi Adityanath government ahead of the upcoming elections.Interestingly, in the January ‘mahapanchayat’, Naresh Tikait is believed to have said it was “their mistake” to support BJP candidate, Union Minister Sanjiv Balyan against (late) RLD chief Ajit Singh in the last Lok Sabha elections.Rakesh Tikait, who said that a huge number of people will be there, added that the ‘mahapanchayat’ is not linked to just elections.“Farmers are facing hardships in UP, electricity rates are the highest, sugarcane rates have not gone up since last 2016. The Centre has increased (FRP) by Rs 5 — that is five paise per kg. Are you insulting farmers?” Rakesh Tikait said.Farmers are planning to organise several ‘mahapanchayats’ in the poll-bound state in the first phase of their campaign.Rakesh Tikait said 5,000 volunteers have been given duties and issued identity cards to ensure smooth movement so the farmers reach the venue. “All arrangements have been made. We have arranged 12-14 screens and 4-5 fields for those who are unable to reach the main site as roads and parking areas will be jammed,” he said.The district administration, meanwhile, has stepped up the security measures in view of the event. Elaborate security arrangements and six companies of the provincial armed constabulary (PAC) and two companies of rapid action force (RAF) have been deployed, according to reports. In light of recent happenings in Haryana, the event will be also videographed.

The Tribune

2021-09-05