Farmers Dig in Their Heels: SKM, BKU (U) Boycott Punjab Talks Over Police Action

Punjab (The Uttam Hindu) : In a bold move, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) [BKU (U)] declined to participate in a meeting called by the Punjab government on Friday, March 21, 2025. This decision comes on the heels of a police crackdown on protesting farmers, which has left many detained and others injured.

The farmers' unions slammed the Aam Aadmi Party government for its heavy-handed approach, accusing them of trying to stifle their voices. The unions demanded that the government create a conducive environment for talks, which includes releasing the detained protesters and withdrawing police cases against them.

"We will not engage in talks until the government releases our fellow farmers and drops the false cases against them," said a spokesperson for the SKM. "The government's actions have created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, making it impossible for us to negotiate." The Punjab government had called the meeting to discuss the farmers' demands, but the unions refused to participate, citing the government's insincerity. "The government is not serious about addressing our concerns," said a BKU (U) leader. "They are only interested in suppressing our movement."

The standoff between the farmers and the government continues, with no resolution in sight. The farmers remain resolute in their demands, while the government seems determined to maintain its tough stance. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the farmers will not back down without a fight.