In a significant move highlighting the persistent agrarian and labour distress in Punjab, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) presented a detailed memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, demanding urgent government intervention. The delegation, led by senior KMM leaders, submitted a seven-point charter of demands aimed at addressing the critical issues plaguing farmers and agricultural labourers in the region.
Key Demands Presented to the District Administration
The memorandum, submitted on Monday, outlines a series of pressing concerns that require immediate attention from the authorities. The leaders emphasized the need for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, a long-standing demand of the farming community across India. This point remains a central pillar of the recent farmer protests and is seen as non-negotiable for ensuring agricultural sustainability.
Another critical issue raised was the withdrawal of cases registered against farmers during their protests. The Morcha leaders argued that these cases are an undue burden on individuals who were merely exercising their democratic right to protest for their livelihoods. They called for their immediate and unconditional withdrawal to allow the farming community to move forward without legal harassment.
Focus on Labourers and Local Infrastructure
The KMM's agenda was not limited to land-owning farmers but also strongly advocated for the rights and welfare of landless labourers. The memorandum specifically demanded the provision of plots for housing to homeless labourers and the poor, a move that would provide fundamental security to the most vulnerable sections of rural society.
Infrastructure and local governance also featured prominently in the demands. The leaders sought the resolution of pending matters related to village common lands (shamlat land), which are crucial for community use and livelihood. Furthermore, they pressed for the completion of the much-delayed Chola Sahib road project, highlighting how poor connectivity hampers daily life and economic activity in the area.
A Call for Comprehensive Support and Justice
The scope of the memorandum extended to seeking justice and compensation for victims of past tragedies. The KMM leaders reiterated the demand for a financial package for the families affected by the Maur bomb blast, seeking long-overdue relief and recognition of their suffering.
In a broader economic demand, the Morcha called for a waiver of all loans for the poor and middle-class families, citing the immense financial stress that has accumulated due to various economic pressures. This, they argued, is essential for reviving the rural economy and providing a fresh start to countless households.
The delegation that met Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori included prominent figures like KMM state core committee members Rattan Singh Randhawa and Sarwan Singh Kular, along with district president Mukhtar Singh. Their collective presentation underscored the unity and seriousness of the demands being placed before the district administration.
Administrative Response and Future Steps
Upon receiving the memorandum, Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori assured the KMM delegation that their demands would be forwarded to the concerned higher authorities for appropriate consideration and action. This assurance, while a standard administrative procedure, is a crucial first step in the process of dialogue between the agitating bodies and the government.
The submission of this memo by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha signals the continued mobilization of agrarian groups at the district level, keeping the focus on local implementation of broader promises. It reflects a strategic approach to follow up on state and national-level protests with consistent pressure on local administration to deliver tangible results. The coming weeks will reveal whether these specific demands translate into actionable policies for the farmers and labourers of Amritsar.
