Trust deficit among farmer unions evident during Rail Roko protest

PTC News Desk: During the 'rail roko' protest in Punjab, sharp divisions emerged among farmer union leaders, once again highlighting a lack of unity and a deep trust deficit. Despite their joint efforts to disrupt train services across the state, leaders from different factions publicly clashed, pointing fingers at each other for the discord witnessed during the previous agitation against the now-repealed three farm laws.

The rail blockade had a widespread impact, affecting train schedules in various parts of Punjab. However, leaders from both the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the non-political faction of SKM conducted separate protests, taking jabs at each other during their public addresses.

Leaders of the SKM criticised the non-political faction, currently leading protests at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, suggesting that collaboration with them to fight for farmers' demands was not feasible. On the other hand, leaders from Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) expressed frustration over the lack of response from SKM (non-political) leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha chief Sarwan Singh Pandher.

Despite five unions extending support to the rail roko, the absence of unity among farmer unions at Haryana borders was evident. The disagreement stemmed from differing agendas and a failure to address crucial demands collectively.

Dallewal, while addressing protesters at Multania bridge in Bathinda city, criticised other farmer unions within SKM for neglecting the demand for legal guaranteed purchase of all crops at MSP. Conversely, SKM leaders emphasised their efforts to unite all unions but expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation from Dallewal and Pandher.

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Meanwhile, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leaders stressed their commitment to protesting for Punjab farmers, even in the face of opposition from Dallewal and Pandher. Despite attempts to bridge differences, the reluctance of certain leaders to collaborate and address pressing issues such as MSP and accountability for recent fatalities at protest sites has hindered unity efforts.

The ongoing discord among farmer unions underscores the challenges of achieving consensus and effective coordination, hampering the collective pursuit of farmers' rights and demands.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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