Protest Continues for 39 Days
The ‘Pakka Morcha’ launched by farmers’ unions under the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) against the transfer of ownership of the Shero Cooperative Sugar Mill entered its 39th day on June 29, 2026. The protest, held at the mill site in Tarn Taran, has drawn participation from numerous farmers and leaders.
Leaders Accuse Government of Breaking Promises
Addressing the protesters, SKM leaders including Harjinder Singh Tanda, Manjit Singh Baggu, Mahavir Singh Gill, Nachhattar Singh Pannu, Tarsem Singh Luhar, Inderjit Singh Marhana, and Jassa Singh Kad Gill expressed concern over the Punjab government’s deviation from its earlier stance on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
The leaders claimed that the state government had opposed new MNREGA legislation by convening a special session of the Vidhan Sabha on December 30, 2025. However, they alleged that the government later issued a gazette notification endorsing the new law, thereby breaking its promise to the people.
Demand to Operationalize Sugar Mill
The leaders reiterated that the Shero Cooperative Sugar Mill should be made operational without further delay. They warned that the morcha would escalate to strict actions if their demands continued to be ignored. The leaders also alleged that ministers were reluctant to meet with representatives or accept memorandums submitted by the people.
According to the SKM, the protest has remained peaceful but firm, with participants vowing to continue until the government addresses their concerns. The union has called for immediate intervention to revive the mill, which they say is crucial for local sugarcane farmers.
