The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) on Saturday announced statewide effigy-burning protests on June 8 against the recent increase in diesel and petrol prices, the proposed India-US free trade agreements, land acquisition policies, fertiliser shortages and the alleged police lathi-charge on power employees in Patiala.
Speaking at a zonal delegates’ convention held at Khiala village near Amritsar, KMSC leaders said the protests would be organised across the state to highlight what they described as anti-farmer and anti-worker policies of the government.
The meeting was attended by state leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, district president Ranjit Singh Kaler Bala and district leader Sactry Singh Kotla. During the convention, delegates unanimously elected a 13-member zonal core committee, appointing Narendra Singh Bhittevidh as president and Kuljit Singh of Kale Ghanupur as secretary.
Addressing the gathering, Pandher alleged that the Centre was pursuing policies that would adversely affect farmers, agricultural labourers and small traders. He criticised the proposed India-US free trade agreements, claiming they could weaken the country’s agricultural economy and deepen economic distress in rural areas.
He also raised concerns over issues such as the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025, seed legislation, labour codes and policy changes affecting employment opportunities under the MGNREGA scheme.
The KMSC leader further demanded compensation for farmers affected by floods in Punjab and urged the government to immediately release compensation for losses allegedly suffered during the farmers’ agitation at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. He claimed that theft of trolleys and other belongings during the protests caused losses amounting to Rs 3.77 crore.
The organisation also criticised the recent hike in fuel prices and accused the government of favouring corporate interests at the expense of ordinary citizens. KMSC leaders demanded an immediate rollback of the increase in diesel and petrol prices and called upon farmers, workers and other sections of society to participate in the protests on Monday.
