Amritsar (Rajesh Sandhu): The India US Tax-Free Trade Agreement Protest has gained momentum across Punjab. Meanwhile, the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab announced statewide protests. State President Sukhwinder Singh Sabhra and General Secretary Rana Ranbir Singh chaired a meeting at the organization’s state office. During the meeting, they finalized a strategy to strengthen the nationwide campaign against the proposed trade agreement.
Moreover, the meeting focused on mobilizing farmers, labourers, youth, and civil society members across Punjab. The organization decided to launch large-scale public outreach programmes before the nationwide protest.
Motorcycle rallies to be held across Punjab on July 15
As part of the India US Tax-Free Trade Agreement Protest, farmer leaders announced motorcycle rallies across Punjab on July 15. These rallies aim to raise awareness about the proposed agreement and its possible impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods.
In addition, protesters will submit memorandums addressed to the Prime Minister through Tehsildars, SDMs, and Deputy Commissioners across the state. According to the organization, the campaign will send a strong message against policies that they believe could harm farmers and workers.
Delhi Mahapanchayat scheduled for July 21
Farmer leaders also confirmed that thousands of farmers, agricultural labourers, women, and youth from Punjab will travel to Delhi on July 21 to participate in a massive Mahapanchayat at Kisan Ghat.
Furthermore, buses will transport participants from different districts to ensure maximum participation. The organization expects the gathering to strengthen the nationwide movement against the proposed trade agreement.
Leaders raise concerns over agriculture and economy
The leaders claimed that the proposed India US Tax-Free Trade Agreement could seriously affect Indian agriculture, small industries, public sector enterprises, and the country’s economic sovereignty.
They argued that multinational corporations would benefit the most from such agreements. Meanwhile, farmers, labourers, small traders, and ordinary citizens could face financial losses. Therefore, they appealed to people from all sections of society to support the upcoming protests.
Punjab government also comes under criticism
Besides opposing the proposed trade agreement, the farmer leaders criticized the Punjab government over several policy decisions.
According to the organization, the government had earlier opposed the closure of MGNREGA but has now implemented the VB Gram G Yojana. Moreover, the leaders alleged that the government is attempting to revive the land pooling policy despite public opposition.
They claimed that these decisions have increased public dissatisfaction across Punjab. Consequently, the organization vowed to oppose any policy that it believes harms farmers or rural communities.
Call for mass public participation
The India US Tax-Free Trade Agreement Protest is expected to witness large participation from farmers, labourers, youth, employees, traders, and citizens across Punjab.
Finally, the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee urged people to join the July 15 motorcycle rallies and the July 21 Delhi Mahapanchayat. The leaders said strong public participation would help protect India’s economic sovereignty and safeguard the interests of farmers and workers.
Key Points of the news:
- Punjab farmers announced a statewide protest against the proposed India-US tax-free trade agreement.
- Motorcycle rallies will take place across Punjab on July 15.
- Farmers will submit memorandums to the Prime Minister through district authorities.
- Thousands of farmers, labourers, women, and youth will attend the Delhi Mahapanchayat on July 21.
- Farmer leaders also criticized the Punjab government’s policies on MGNREGA and land pooling.
