Farm Laws Repealed: SKM to Continue Rallies, Protests Until All Demands are Met

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the entity driving the farmer protest, said it will continue the agitation until "all demands" are met. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the three new farm laws will be repealed.

The SKM convened a meeting while officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution began preparing repeal bills, which are anticipated to be approved by the Cabinet early next week.

Farmers are being urged to gather in huge numbers at protest sites on November 26, one year after they initially demonstrated at Delhi's border in Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur.

According to the statement, a kisan mahapanchayat slated for November 22 in Lucknow would take place as scheduled.

"The Kisan Andolan, led by Samyukt Kisan Morcha, continues to fight for the fulfilment of all protesting farmers' demands. While the Prime Minister declared the removal of three agriculture laws, he remained mute on other issues. The present agitation includes a demand for a formal guarantee of a fair MSP. We're also asking for the Electricity Amendment Bill to be withdrawn entirely, as well as for farmers to be exempt from penal terms in legislation governing air quality management in Delhi," the SKM stated in a statement.

The SKM has said that starting November 29, it would bring 500 protestors every day to Parliament on tractors to protest during the winter session. It urged the construction of a memorial in honour of the demonstrators who had perished in the previous year.

"In this movement, more than 670 demonstrators have given their lives so far." The administration of Narendra Modi has failed to accept the terrible human cost. The martyrs also deserve to be remembered in Parliament and to have a memorial built in their honour," it added.

Saturday's protests at the Singhu border crossing were significantly more subdued than the day before. Nearly 100 individuals turned out for a prayer ritual on the main stage. More protesters are anticipated to come in the following week, according to protesters.

Lakha Sidhana, whose participation was suspected in the Red Fort violence on January 26 is being investigated, also went to the protest location to speak with farmers.

The Prime Minister said on Friday that the three laws will be repealed, the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020, will be finished during Parliament's winter session.

The Agriculture Ministry has administrative responsibility over the first two laws, while the Department of Consumer Affairs has oversight over the third.

Officials in both ministries began drafting repeal bills shortly after the Prime Minister revealed his decision in his speech to the country, according to sources. According to reports, the authorities worked late into the night on Friday and started work on Saturday.

According to sources, the teams are working in Krishi Bhawan, which houses the two ministries, and the draft Cabinet notes to abolish the farm laws are expected to be ready by Monday.

The drafted Bills will be given to the Cabinet, which is anticipated to consider and approve them early next week once the Law Ministry completes the legal vetting.