Kisan Sabha National Conference Kicks Off at Haryana with Massive Rally

The 34th All India Conference of Kisan Sabha (AIKS)is underway in Hisar, Haryana. The last time the AIKS conference happened in Hisar was 25 years ago, in 1992.

That year, the Kisan Sabha had brought out a charter of demands opposing the neoliberal reforms that were underway then, pointing out that the new economic policies were harmful for farmers and for people in general.Many other farmers’ organisations then had positive expectations from the policies initiated by the central government.

Leaders of the Kisan Sabha said that today most of the farmers’ organisations have also come to an understanding similar to that of the Kisan Sabha’s. Farmers across the country are in distress and facing extreme crisis. Therefore the 34th conference in Hisaris significant for the peasant movement.

AIKS has been waging successful battles across the country in many states for past 3-4 years, which the leaders say, need to be intensified now. The conference which started on 3rdwould continue till 6th.

The Kisan Sabha conference began on 3 October with a massive ‘Kisan- Mazdoor Rally’. Along with leaders addressing the gathering, "jogiagaan", "nagada" and "aalha" performances, snake charmer’s performance and other dying art forms also adorned the stage.

Hundreds of leaders from 25 states, and thousands of peasants and workers participated in the rally. Leaders like Manik Sarkar, Hannan Mollah, Amra Ram and K. Hemlata were among those who addressed the rally.

The leaders focussed on the problems faced by the farmers in the country, and expressed solidarity with the farmers. With more than 3.5 lakh farmer suicides having taken place in the country in the last two decades, the leaders resolved to replicate the successful Sikar model of farmers’ struggle to all other parts of the country.

"Kisan Sabha resolves to ensure that our farmers donot commit suicide anymore. They will fight, we will all fight and win", said Hannan Mollah, National Secretary of the Kisan Sabha.

"We resolve to fight till all the farmers get their loans waived", he added.

"Modi and his fake promise of implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations, along with taking away the traditional right of cattle trade has made life hell for farmers. And then there are his gaurakshaks who kill innocent farmers and cattle traders", said Mollah.

"On 30 October the whole country will fight against the darkness across the country, with a mashaljuloos (torchlight procession) in every state", he announced.