Farmers Unite with Students: A Call for Accountability in Education

Solidarity in Protest

New Delhi: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), known for its pivotal role in the protests against the now-repealed central farm laws, has voiced its support for the ongoing sit-in led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This protest addresses alleged irregularities in examinations, and SKM has announced that its representatives will join the demonstration at Jantar Mantar this Sunday.

In a letter to CJP president Abhijit Dipke, SKM expressed its "wholehearted solidarity" with the peaceful protest and the students, youth, and their families involved.

The farmers' organization plans to send a delegation to the protest site at 11 AM on Sunday to stand in support of the students and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

SKM conveyed its "deepest sympathies" to those affected by what it termed the Modi government's "chronic paper leaks and examination mismanagement."

"Every student deserves a transparent, fair, and credible educational system. It is the government's duty to ensure accountability in this matter," the letter stated.

The farmers' group noted that its National Council had passed a resolution on June 17 endorsing the student movement's call for Pradhan's resignation and opposing the "scam culture" in education under the BJP-led NDA government.

Additionally, SKM condemned the ban imposed on CJP's social media accounts.

"Students and youth are the children of farmers and represent the future of India. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha firmly believes that the struggles of students and youth are intertwined with those of farmers," the letter emphasized, highlighting the moral obligation of farmers and democratic organizations to support young people fighting for their education, future, and justice.

SKM expressed hope that its delegation's visit would bolster the democratic movement and urge the government to engage in meaningful discussions, starting with the resignation of the Education Minister.

In a press release, SKM called upon students, youth, farmers, workers, and the general public to join the protest at Jantar Mantar and advocate for government accountability.

The SKM, a coalition of over thirty farmer organizations primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, previously led the protests at Delhi's borders against three central farm laws. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of these laws in November 2021 after a year of sustained protests.