Punjab Farmers Stage Motorcycle March Against India-US Trade Deal

Hoshiarpur: Farmers took out a motorcycle march on Wednesday here to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal, alleging it would adversely impact the country's farming sector.

The march was taken out on a call given by different farming bodies under the banner of 'Desh Bachao Morcha' in Punjab.

The march was taken out by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (Piddi Group).

Led by the outfit's district president Paramjit Singh Bhulla and district general secretary Kuldip Singh Begowal, the march commenced after an 'ardas' (prayer) at Gurdwara Pull Pukhta Sahib near Tanda and passed through Tanda, Dasuya and Miani.

The protesters later reached the office of Dasuya Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kanwaljit Singh and submitted a memorandum addressed to the prime minister, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed India-US trade agreement.

In the memorandum, the protesters alleged that the proposed trade pact would adversely affect farmers, agricultural labourers, livestock rearers, small traders and micro industries.

They claimed the agreement would allow cheaper agricultural imports into India, affecting domestic farm incomes and the country's agricultural economy.

Addressing a gathering, Bhulla alleged that the proposed trade agreement would be detrimental to farmers, particularly small and marginal cultivators, by exposing them to competition from cheaper imported agricultural produce.

The protesting farmers claimed that the agreement would prove to be a "death decree" for farmers, asserting that it would not be acceptable under any circumstances.

Demanding immediate intervention by the Centre, they urged it to abandon the proposed trade pact and safeguard the interests of farmers and the common people.

"The India-US Free Trade Agreement should be terminated with immediate effect and the interests of the country's farmers and ordinary citizens must be protected," they said.

They warned that if the government failed to address its demand, it would launch a nationwide mass movement through democratic and constitutional means.

Bhulla also criticised the Punjab government's land pooling policy, alleging that it would divert fertile agricultural land for residential and commercial projects, reduce cultivable land and adversely affect the livelihood of farming families. He further claimed the policy would primarily benefit large builders and real estate companies.

The protesters raised slogans against the Centre and the Punjab government and urged farmers, agricultural labourers and the youth to unite over issues concerning the farming sector.