The Kisan Sangharsh Jatha of Northern Zone as a part of march to Parliament by All India Kisan Sabha to expose the anti-peasant neo-liberal economic policies and the betrayal of the peasantry by the incumbent central government started its journey from Jammu today with a kisan rally at Press Club, Jammu. Holding red flags and placards, the kisans were raising slogans in support of their genuine issues and anti-people policies of both the Central and State Governments.In a statement issued to KNS, while addressing the rally Comrade Amra Ram, President, All India Kisan Sabha said that purpose of the march to parliament scheduled on 24.11.2016 is to force the government to take urgent steps to concede the genuine demands of the poor farmers which include remunerative prices for crops, waive off of loans of small and middle class peasants, farm credit @ 4% interest, availability of cheap inputs alongwith adequate irrigation facilities, 200 work days under MGNREGA @ Rs.300/- minimum wages, land to landless, Rs.10 lac compensation to suicide victims, crop insurance for all etc. Kisan Sanghrash Jaths have started their historic marchs from various parts of the country which will culminate on 24.11.2016 when the parliament house will be gheraoed to press the government to concede these genuine demands. The farming and peasant community has been undergoing the severe economic onslaught since the launch/implementation of neo-liberal economic policies in 90s. More than 3 lac farmers have committed suicide since 1995 as a result of these regressive and anti people policies pursued by the successive central governments.
The plight of the peasantry has deteriorated severely since BJP led NDA dispensation came into power at Delhi in May 2014, adding that only way to get rid of this pathetic scenario is to get rank and file of the peasantry/working class united to fight and wage a sustained resistance movement against these regressive policies.Addressing the rally, M.Y. Tarigami, CPI (M) leader and MLA said that peasantry is the most crisis ridden section of our population, as they are victims of frequent drought, floods and other natural calamities. It is an irony that despite being producers & the backbone of society, they have been living a miserable life as their plight can be judged from their facial expressions.He said the farmers have been the worst victims of cross border violence as well. Larger section of peasant population inhabiting near LoC and IB were promised shelters and other measures for their rehabilitation but what they got is clearly nothing except displacement and devastation.He added the tragedies which the peasants of the state have been facing have added to their agonies as no concrete measures have been taken to mitigate their sufferings. The growers, orchardists and other sections of the peasants of the valley have been the worst sufferers and victims of violence as a result of four month long public unrest.“They are crying for help and support from the govt. but except tall claims nothing has been done practically. What is the way out? The experience sufficiently demonstrates that nothing except coming together and waging a united resistance, no relief is possible,” he said.
G.N.Malik, State Secretary, CPI (M), J&K, castigated both the governments at Centre and state in ignoring the plight of the farming community which is at the brink of devastation as a result of anti-peasantry policies adopted by these dispensations. The orchardists of the valley and farmers of Jammu region inhabiting near LoC and IB were forced to go for untimely harvesting of the produce due to prevailing public unrest in the valley and frequent firing/shelling in Jammu region, as such, it becomes urgent for the government to provide compensation to these sufferers, he reiterated. The recently announced package of Rs.500/- crores for the horticulture sector is inadequate to rehabilitate the flood victim, public unrest and firing affected growers and orchardists which need to be enhanced substantially.Among others, Kishsor Kumar, President, J&K Kisan Tehreek, Sohan Lal, Banarasi Dass, Seva Ram, Kisan leaders; Sham Prasad Kesar, Regional Secretary, CPI(M), Jammu and Omprakash General Secretary, CITU, J&K also addressed the rally. (KNS)