SKM writes open letter to PM Modi after farm laws repeal; lists six demands

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The Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Sunday listed six demands of agitating farmers in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he announced repealing of all 3 farms laws on November 19. In the letter, the farmer's body had expressed disappointment due to the lack of a concrete announcement on their important demands in the PM's address. 

The farmers' body, in the letter, demanded that the cases lodged against farmers during the movement of the anti-farm law should be withdrawn immediately. They added that the families of farmers who died during anti-farm laws protests should get rehabilitation support and should receive compensation. 

Adding that the government should immediately resume talks with farmers, the SKM wrote that the movement will continue till then. "Farmers disappointed due to lack of concrete announcement on their important demands in your address," the letter further read.

While thanking Modi for his decision, the SKM, in the letter, said, "After 11 rounds of talks, you chose the path of unilateral declaration rather than a bilateral solution." "MSP based on the comprehensive cost of production should be made a legal entitlement of all farmers for all agricultural produce so that every farmer of the country can be guaranteed the MSP announced by the government for their entire crop. Withdraw the draft 'Electricity Amendments Bill, 2020/2021'," the letter read.

It also sought removal of penal provisions against farmers in the 'Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021'.

The SKM's demands included the sacking and arrest of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra, whose son is an accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Four farmers were allegedly mowed down by an SUV in the Lakhimpur Kheri district, the native place of the Union minister on October 3. In the ensuing violence, four people, including a journalist and two BJP workers, were also killed. Over a dozen people, including the minister's son Ashish Mishra, have been arrested so far in the case.

"Prime minister, you have appealed to the farmers that we should now go back home. We want to assure you that we are not fond of sitting on the streets. We too desire to return to our homes, families and farming after resolving these issues as soon as possible. If you want the same, then the government should immediately resume talks with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha on the six issues. Till then, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha will continue this movement," they said.

(with PTI inputs)

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