Punjab Farmers Stage Motorcycle March Against India-US Trade Deal
Hoshyarpur: Farmers took out a motorcycle march here on Wednesday to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal, alleging that it would adversely affect the country’s agricultural sector.
The march was held on the call of different farmer organizations in Punjab under the banner of ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’.
The march was conducted by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (Piddi Group).
Led by union district president Paramjit Singh Bhulla and district general secretary Kuldip Singh Begowal, the march began after an ‘ardas’ (prayer) at Gurdwara Pull Pukhta Sahib near Tanda and passed through Tanda, Dasuya and Miani.
The protesters then reached the office of Dasuya Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) Kanwaljit Singh and submitted a memorandum addressed to the prime minister, demanding immediate withdrawal of the proposed India-US trade deal.
In the memorandum, protesters claimed that the proposed trade deal would negatively impact farmers, agricultural workers, animal breeders, small traders and micro industries.
They claimed that the deal would allow cheaper agricultural imports into India, which would impact local farm incomes and the country’s agricultural economy.
Addressing a meeting, Bhulla claimed that the proposed trade deal would harm farmers, especially small and marginal farmers, by exposing them to competition from cheaper imported agricultural products.
Protesting farmers claimed that the agreement would be a “death sentence” for farmers and argued that this could not be accepted in any way.
Demanding the Centre’s immediate intervention, they urged it to abandon the proposed trade deal and protect the interests of farmers and people.
“The India-US Free Trade Agreement must be terminated with immediate effect and the interests of farmers and ordinary citizens in the country must be protected,” they said.
They warned that if the government did not fulfill the demand, it would launch a nationwide mass movement through democratic and constitutional means.
Bhulla also criticized the Punjab government’s land pooling policy, claiming that it would divert productive agricultural land to residential and commercial projects, reduce arable land and negatively impact the livelihood of farmer families. He also claimed that the policy would primarily benefit large builders and real estate companies.
The protesters shouted slogans against the Center and the Punjab government, urging farmers, agricultural laborers and youth to unite on issues related to the agriculture sector.
