Farmers’ unions are divided over the talks with the SC-appointed panel

Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) — the two farmers’ unions leading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest and remaining on the Punjab and Haryana borders since February 13 — are now a divided house. involvement with the high powered committee appointed by the Supreme Court.

Sarwan Singh Pandher-led KMM refused to participate in the talks, while Jagjeet Singh Dallewal-led SKM (Non-Political) has already met the committee. Both unions initially refused to hold talks with the panel.

On September 2, the Supreme Court directed the five-member committee to engage with the protesting farmers and persuade them to remove their tractors, carts and other vehicles from the Shambhu border.

Dallewal, asked about their change of stand on holding talks with the committee, said, “We don’t want people and the Center to blame farmers’ unions for not holding talks, especially with the SC-appointed committee. Although we still believe that this exercise would not yield any positive results, we have decided to raise our concerns.” He added that one of the main objectives of the committee was to rebuild trust between farmers and the government and this (holding talks) is a step in that direction.

However, the KMM stated that it will not present itself for dialogue with the committee. KMM member Guramneet Mangat said, “We remain firm in our decision not to hold talks with the high-powered committee. If SKM (apolitical) wants to talk with them, I can go ahead. We have already informed them (the apolitical SKM) of our concerns about the talks.”