SKM vows to escalate stir; farm unions to hold nationwide 'Rail Roko' protest on Feb 18

In a big development on Wednesday, Samyukta Kisan Morcha anunced that a nationwide Rail Roko (Rail blocke) protest will be held on February 18 from on to 4 pm.  SKM is an umbrella body of several farm organizations protesting at Delhi borders seeking repeal of three agrarian laws passed by Parliament. Apart from this, a slew of or decisions were taken in  meeting called by  farm leers to escalate ongoing agitation. 

For instance, all toll plazas in Rajasthan will be rendered dysfunctional on February 12. Two days later, farm unions will organise candle marches and or functions to pay tribute to Pulwama martyrs. On February 16, farmers will show solidarity throughout country on birth anniversary of Sir Chhoturam. At present, Supreme Court has stayed implementation of agrarian laws and formed a committee to resolve ongoing standoff. 

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Impasse over farm laws

Farmers' Produce Tre and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 aims at freeing  farmers from constraints of state Agriculture Produce Market Committees whereby y would be able to sell ir produce anywhere. Meanwhile,  Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 protects and empowers farmers to eng with processors, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters for farm services.  Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 specifies that supply of foodstuffs including cereals, pulses, potato, edible oilseeds, and oils shall be regulated only under exceptional circumstances.

At present,  talks between Union government and farmers' unions have come to a standstill. This is owing to fact that farm associations refused to agree to Centre's proposal for suspending implementation of aforesaid legislation for one and a half years. While last round of talks lasted for nearly 5 hours, farmers claimed that two sides sat face-to-face for less than 30 minutes.  divide between two sides furr exacerbated on January 26 after farmers' tractor rally turned violent resulting in 510 Delhi police personnel getting injured and extensive dam to public property.

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