Farmers Stand Firm: SKM Declines SC's Invitation Amid MSP Demand

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has declined an invitation from a Supreme Court-appointed committee for a January 3 meeting. Despite court intervention, the SKM maintains its stance on policy issues and supports ongoing farmer protests for a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has rejected an invitation from a Supreme Court-upheld committee to attend a meeting scheduled on January 3, reportedly focused on deliberating farmers' issues. SKM, highlighting its stance on policy disputes with the Union government, refuses to acknowledge the court's role.

The protest wave continues at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, despite SKM's non-involvement. Farmers demand essential policy changes, including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP), while senior leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal undertakes an indefinite hunger strike.

While the SKM abstains from attending the upcoming committee meeting, it plans a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' on January 9 in Moga, aiming to address key farmer issues, including the hunger strike. A separate meeting is scheduled for January 24-25 in Delhi to further the dialogue amongst farmer groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)