Appeal to the Union Government and to the Leadership of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha From Concerned Scholars & Intellectuals

The long-drawn peaceful movement by the farmers against the three agri-laws, enacted at the time of Covid-19, is the manifestation of the persistent and deep-rooted agrarian crisis and farmers’ distress in the country. In the understanding of the farmers, and rightly so, the implementation of these three laws would not only accentuate their crisis but would also pose a serious threat to their livelihood. Pan India, the movement is getting amazing support and cooperation from the farmers, agricultural labourers, youth and civil society organisations. The Indians settled abroad and members of civil society across the globe are also lending support to this movement of farmers. Globally, India is facing a serious set-back to its cherished values of democratic and human rights. Already India has been declared as one of the world’s least free democracies in the world as is reflected in theFreedom in the World 2020 Report and its ranking has slipped down from the 71st to the 83rd position.

The adamant attitude of the Union Government is causing unprecedented psychological and physical sufferings to lakhs of agitating farmers consisting of women, children, old peoples and youth, who have been camping in the open on the outskirts of Delhi for the last more than 140 days and are facing numerous problems. Their families at home are undergoing a traumatic situation and are living under an atmosphere of fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Already more than 300 persons have died several hundred have suffered injuries and detentions in the on-going struggle and there does not seem to be an amicable solution insight. Camping in temporary shelters at the Delhi borders in extreme winter and scorching heat of the summer is not easy. This reflects the long patience and suffering of the farmers, labourers, women and youth in this protest. Millions of work-days have been wasted as a result of which agriculture and growth of the country is going to be adversely impacted. The on-going movement needs to be understood in the larger human and social context as the standoff is in no body’s interest.

Against this backdrop we earnestly appeal to the Government of India to be fair to the farmers who are providing food security to the nation. The Government is urged to immediately enter into a dialogue with the farmers’ leaders and find an amicable solution in order to end the stalemate. We also appeal to the leadership of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha that they should respond positively to the Government’s invite as and when such an invitation is extended.

Signatories