Bathinda: Thousands of farmers and trade union members converged in Punjab on Monday, transforming the anniversary of the country’s most celebrated heroes of independence into a massive demonstration against modern foreign intervention, war politics, and global trade deals.The rally, organised by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and a joint platform of central trade unions, marked the 95th martyrdom day of Shaheeds Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru. Speakers at the event declared that the historic slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live the Revolution) remains incomplete without the accompanying cry of “Samrajyavad Murdabad” (Down with Imperialism).US Trade Deal OpposedFarm groups, led primarily by BKU Ekta Ugrahan and BKU Ekta Dakaunda, voiced sharp opposition to the proposed trade deal with the US, arguing that the inclusion of agriculture and allied sectors in the agreement threatens local livelihoods. “The govt is once again pushing the country toward imperialist forces,” said Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ekta Ugrahan. “The way the US administration dictates terms and the NDA govt follows is unacceptable to the working class.“The demonstrators demanded the immediate rejection of the trade deal with the US, the repeal of four controversial labour codes and pro-corporate legislations, and guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for all crops, calculated at the C2+50% profit formula.Economic Fallout of GeopoliticsThe protest took a significant geopolitical turn as leaders condemned the US-led conflict with Iran. The SKM categorised the war as “immoral and illegal”, claiming it was initiated without the approval of the US Congress. The joint platform highlighted the resignation of Joe Kent, former director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, as evidence that Iran posed no imminent threat. They called on the international community to declare US and Israeli leadership as “war criminals” for violating international law and the sovereignty of Iran.Global Conflict, Local ImpactProtesters linked the international military tension directly to the wallets of Indian citizens, noting that the conflict has triggered energy security crises across the region, besides sharp inflation and price hikes on essential commodities, along with economic slowdowns that affect the agrarian sector disproportionately. “Not only Punjab, but the entire nation takes inspiration from martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, who died to pull the motherland from the clutches of imperialist forces,” Ugrahan told the crowd. “This day reminds us to up the ante against these modern versions of the same struggle.” MSID:: 129752923 413 |
