Intensifying the ongoing agitation for farmers rights, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Thursday declared a series of protests across the country, culminating in a massive mahapanchayat scheduled to be held in Delhi on March 14. The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions following recent clashes and the tragic death of a young farmer at Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana.   The decision to escalate the protests was announced by SKM leader Rakesh Tikait, who outlined a comprehensive plan of action during a press conference following hours-long meeting at Chandigarh, wherein over 100 farmer leaders from across the country were present.   Tikait said that the SKM would observe a Black Friday on Friday (February 23), demanding immediate action, including the registration of an FIR and compensation of Rs one crore for the family of the deceased farmer, protesting at Khanauri border. Additionally, effigies of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Haryanas Home Minister Anil Vij will be burnt as a symbolic gesture to condemn recent police actions and express solidarity with the aggrieved farmers.   Tikait further elaborated on the planned tractor marches scheduled to take place on February 26, wherein farmers will mobilize along highways across the country, reiterating their longstanding demand for a guarantee law on minimum support price (MSP). These are long fights, Tikait emphasized, adding, Not by one morcha, we will need to surround Delhi (Delhi gherao) from all four directions, as we did earlier.   The SKMs demands also include immediate registration of a murder case against the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Haryanas Home Minister Anil Vij, as well as a judicial probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased protester. Tikait asserted that accountability must be established for the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by numerous farmers during recent clashes.   In a bid to foster unity and solidarity among farmer organizations, the SKM announced the formation of a six-member committee tasked with coordinating with former SKM member organizations. This committee aims to develop issue-based unity and formulate a unified action plan to bolster the farmers struggle. The members of the committee include prominent leaders such as Hannan Mollah, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Yudhavir Singh, Darshan Pal, and Raminder Patiala.   The SKMs nationwide protests, slated to commence from Friday, will feature a range of demonstrations aimed at highlighting the repression and injustices faced by farmers. These actions are aligned with the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and independent federations call for a Black Day on February 23. Farmers across the country are expected to participate in torchlight processions and effigy burnings as part of the protest activities.   Furthermore, the SKM has designated February 26 as Quit WTO Day, urging farmers to mobilize on national and state highways to protest against government policies detrimental to farmers interests and food security. The SKM contended that the World Trade Organizations (WTO) policies have adversely impacted farmers and have led to the erosion of food security safeguards.   The culmination of these protests will be a massive Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat scheduled to be held on March 14 at Delhis historic Ramlila Ground. The event is expected to witness participation from farmers, agricultural labourers, students, youth, and women from across the country.   BOX: Decisions by SKM ·         Resignation of Union Home Minister Shah, Haryana CM Khattar, and state Home Minister Anil Vij, lodging of FIR under section 302 of IPC against them ·         Judicial Enquiry into the murder of farmers brutal repression and damage to tractors ·         Black Day or Aakrosh Day on Friday (February 23) with effigy burning, torch light procession ·         Six member panel formed for coordination with former SKM member organizations ·         Panel to also develop issue based unity to intensify farmers struggle ·         Massive Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi, on March 14 ·         Tractor parade on February 26 to demand QUIT WTO

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