Statue of Martyr Subhash Munda Unveiled; Call for Farmers’ Unity at Nagri
Ranchi : A farmers’ rally and public meeting were organized at Nagri on the occasion of the 8th State Conference of the Jharkhand State Kisan Sabha, held from February 26 to 28. A large number of farmers participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ashok Dhawale, National President of the All India Kisan Sabha, said that for the past 80 years since 1947, the organization has been leading farmers’ struggles across the country, including in Jharkhand. He stated that the Jharkhand State Kisan Sabha is carrying forward the legacy of the struggles of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Criticizing the policies of the Central Government, he alleged that the four Labour Codes, the Electricity and Seed-related Bills, and the India–US trade agreement are against the interests of farmers. He claimed that despite the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 24.50 per kg, farmers are being forced to sell paddy at rates between Rs 15 and Rs 18 per kg.
He also called for intensifying the movement against forced land acquisition in Jharkhand and against corporate control over jal, jungle, zameen (water, forests and land) and mineral resources. He opposed attempts to divide society in the name of tribal and non-tribal identities and appealed for unity among farmers.
National Treasurer Krishna Prasad said that the killing of Subhash Munda cannot suppress the farmers’ movement. He asserted that farmers would continue their struggle for rights by following the path shown by Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu and other martyrs. He claimed that, on average, 31 farmers die by suicide every day in the country and that 300 million farmers and workers participated in the nationwide strike on February 12.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Welcome Committee President Suresh Munda, General Secretary Surjit Sinha, State President Sufal Mahto, State Council Member Maduwa Kachhap, Vice-President Prafull Linda, Shankar Oraon, Kriti Singh Munda, Lalit Munda, Kapil Mahto, Budhram Oraon, Ehtesham Ahmad, Umesh Munda and Chhotan Devi, among others.
The meeting was chaired by Suresh Munda and conducted by Maduwa Kachhap.
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