Himachal Kisan Sabha protests and burns copies of National Agricultural Market Policy
Amidst snowfall in Shimla, the Himachal Kisan Sabha (HKS) staged a protest outside the District Commissioner’s office as part of the nationwide call by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). Protesters burned copies of the new National Agricultural Market Policy, denouncing it as anti-farmer.
Addressing the gathering, HKS State President Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar criticized the Modi-led NDA government, accusing it of introducing policies detrimental to farmers. He pointed out that after years of struggle by over 500 farmer organizations, the government had to repeal the controversial three farm laws. Now, with the draft of the new National Agricultural Market Policy, farmers fear another attack on their livelihoods.
Demands Highlighted in the Memorandum
A memorandum addressed to President Droupadi Murmu was submitted through District Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, outlining the following demands:
Farmers across the country protested on December 23, 2024, opposing the undemocratic practices of the NDA-3 government.
Engage in dialogue with all farmer organizations genuinely fighting for their rights, as recommended by the Supreme Court.
Save the life of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, stop suppressing protesting farmers with tear gas, and release all jailed farmers, including those held in Gautam Buddha Nagar’s Luksar Jail.
Withdraw the National Agricultural Market Policy, Digital Agriculture Mission, and National Cooperation Policy, and address farmers’ longstanding demands, including MSP, loan waivers, and fair implementation of the Land Acquisition Act 2013.
Allegations of Repression
The memorandum also condemned the government’s use of force against farmers, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons at protest sites in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. It highlighted the imprisonment of 112 farmers under fabricated charges in Gautam Buddha Nagar and criticized the corporate-friendly approach of the NDA government.
Policy Criticism
The new National Agricultural Market Policy is seen as an attempt to reintroduce the repealed farm laws. Over the past three years, the government has slashed food and fertilizer subsidies, jeopardizing MSP and food security. The memorandum accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests over farmers’ welfare.
The protest in Shimla saw participation from various organizations, including the Apple Growers Association, Dairy Producers Association, Vegetable Producers Association, CITU, and women’s committees. The demonstrators urged the President to act on their demands promptly and address the grievances of India’s farming community.
