Maintain discipline: Balbir Singh Rajewal to protesting farm leaders

Tribune News Service

Mohit Khanna

Patiala, March 7

After the Punjab and Haryana High Court pulled up the agitating farm leaders for using “children as shields”, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which spearheaded the Delhi stir in 2021, today criticised the leadership of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political).

Adopt non-violent methods

Our struggle can only succeed through non-violent methods. The government has means to spread misinformation and provoke peaceful protesters. Maintaining discipline is crucial. We compelled the Centre to repeal three contentious agri laws through non-violent protests. Balbir Singh Rajewal, SKM Leader

Welcoming judicial inquiry into the death of Shubhkaran Singh, who died during a clash between the protesters and Haryana cops at the Khanauri barrier on February 21, farm leader Balbir Singh Rajewal advised the SKM (Non-political) to protest in a peaceful manner.

He said, “Our struggle can only succeed through non-violent methods. The government has means to spread misinformation and provoke peaceful protesters. Maintaining discipline is crucial. During the Delhi stir, I declined to address farmers and urged those carrying weapons to leave the venue. We compelled the Centre to repeal three contentious agri laws through non-violent protests.”

The maintenance of discipline and adherence to non-violence has been a bone of contention between the two factions of farm unions. Even in the eight-point agenda shared with the SKM (Non-political), a delegation from the SKM expressed objections to the violence that occurred on January 26, 2021, and incidents involving members associated with Sarwan Singh Pandher and Satnam Singh Pannu.

The SKM leaders—Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Jhanda Singh Jethuke and Roop Singh Chhannan—stressed on the importance of maintaining discipline with their counterparts in the SKM (Non-political).

Prem Singh Bhangu, head, All India Kisan Federation, said, “We welcome the court’s decision to order a judicial probe into the killing of Shubhkaran Singh. Also, it’s time for introspection for farm leaders at the Shambhu and Khanauri barriers.”

Meanwhile, farm leader Guramneet Singh Mangat urged women to visit the Shambhu and Khanauri barriers on Friday to show solidarity with farmers on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

He criticised the BJP’s IT cell for launching a malicious campaign against farmers. “Around 167 farmers have been detained so far,” said Mangat.

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