India

Over one lakh tractors to roll out in Punjab as farmers intensify protest

Patiala: In a massive show of defiance, more than one lakh tractors are going to take to the roads across Indian Punjab, today, as farmers escalate their agitation against New Delhi on India’s Republic Day.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest is being spearheaded by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) to coincide with India’s Republic Day celebrations.

The tractor march, which will span over 500 locations and last from 12 noon to 3 pm, aims to amplify farmers’ demands, including a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. KMM Convener Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that over five lakh tractors are expected to join similar protests across India.

“The January 26 protest aims at showing solidarity with small shopkeepers, traders and businessmen who are being marginalised by corporate entities operating from big shopping malls,” said Pandher.

Protesters will gather near BJP leaders’ residences, corporate grain storage facilities, toll plazas, and malls, which they claim represent the corporatization of agriculture and the marginalization of small traders.

“The tractor march is dedicated to small shopkeepers and grocery store owners, who have suffered immensely due to the rise of e-commerce giants,” Pandher said, citing a study revealing the closure of 2 lakh grocery shops in the past year.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, known for its historic 2020–21 protests against the now-repealed farm laws, is holding unity talks with various farm bodies, with their next meeting scheduled for February 12. However, SKM (Non-Political) leader Sukhjit Singh Hardo Jhande urged the group to advance the talks, citing pre-scheduled protests on that day.

The farmers’ movement continues to send a strong message to the government, vowing to sustain their struggle until their demands are met.

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