Kurukshetra, Feb 15: The Haryana Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha has announced a widespread agitation across the state to protest the proposed India–US trade agreement. During a state-level meeting held at Dera Kar Sewa, representatives from various agricultural organizations declared a three-day “Mahapadav” or mass sit-in outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Kurukshetra, scheduled from February 23 to 25.
The protest plan involves farmers from across Haryana assembling at Devi Lal Park on February 23 before proceeding to the designated site. The morcha also plans to hold a torchlight procession through the streets of Kurukshetra on February 24 to raise awareness about their grievances.
“As part of the protest programme, effigies of US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will be burnt in all districts of Haryana on February 17 and 18,” stated Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, a member of the state core committee for the BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram). The farmer leaders maintain that the trade deal could have a detrimental impact on the domestic agricultural sector and local livelihoods.
Further concerns were raised by Bhadur Mehla, spokesperson for the BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram), regarding a multi-crore paddy procurement scam in state mandis. He noted that the government’s recent policies, including cuts to elderly pensions, have added to the financial distress of the farming community. Mandeep Nathwan, state president of the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, and other senior leaders affirmed their commitment to a large-scale movement to ensure the interests of farmers are protected.
