To return or not, Punjab farmer unions to decide today

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Jhajjar: All 32 farm organisations of Punjab have decided to hold a joint meeting at Singhu tomorrow to discuss the prevailing situation and to decide on a “suitable time” to return home after winning the yearlong battle with the Centre.

The meeting by Punjab’s outfits is being viewed as important, especially when the Samyukt Kisan Morcha heading the farm stir has announced it would meet on December 4 to decide the next course of action. Sources say some outfits are in favour of going back home after three farm laws’ repeal Bill is passed by Parliament and a joint committee, comprising representatives of farm outfits and government officials, is formed to consider the demand of MSP guarantee.

“Punjab outfits want to reach a consensus over future strategy about ‘marching ahead’ or ‘going back home’ before the SKM’s proposed meeting on December 4,” said a farm leader. Buta Singh of the BKU (Dakonda) said, “The Punjab outfits will discuss when they are to return home, if the farm laws are repealed and a joint committee of farmers is formed. If that doesn’t happen, then the SKM will decide further course of action.” Pargat Singh of the BKU (Rajewal) said the meeting would be decisive, but the final call would be taken by the SKM on December 4.

SKM leader Inderjit Singh said both Punjab and Haryana outfits used to hold separate meetings before the SKM meet. The final call was, however, taken unanimously by the SKM, he said. “Haryana outfits will also meet on December 4 morning before the SKM meeting,” he added.