Farmers, ex-servicemen, Dalit groups unite to seek ‘responsible government’ – The Hindu

Organisations representing farmers, ex-servicemen and Dalits came together on Thursday to announce an alliance after holding a number of meetings over the past month.

Explaining why the organisations had united to form an alliance seeking a responsible government, spokesperson Major (retd) Priyadarshi Chowdhury said: “We are for a responsible government. We want to put forward our collective demands and gather masses from these sectors and other groups such as labourers, women and the youth.”

The organisations, namely the All India Ambedkar Mahasabha (AIAM), the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), and the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), collectively demanded an end to the problem of mob violence with use of fast-track courts for those responsible for lynchings, passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill and scrapping of Aadhaar due to its impact on welfare schemes and civil liberty concerns.

In addition, the organisations put forth separate demands. The AIAM, through its leader Ashok Bharti, demanded withdrawal of all cases against activists detained under the National Security Act, restoration of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which activists have said has been diluted, and establishment of the Indian Judicial Service under Article 312 of the Constitution.

The AIKS, through its leader Hannan Mollah, demanded minimum support price for all crops and guaranteed procurement, one-time waiver of all farmers’ loans from all sources, and land and housing sites for poor and homeless farmers. IESM leader Major-General (retd) Satbir Singh demanded One Rank One Pension (OROP) as per the definition approved by Parliament.

Addressing journalists, Major (retd) Chowdhury said: “About four lakh farmers committed suicide over the past few years. Dalit children are not able to get admission to schools. So it is a matter of great concern for a democracy when the government seeks to nullify or simply refuses to engage with voices.”

Alliance leaders asked for what they said was restoration of the dignity of the people peaceful protesting for various causes. Major-General (retd) Singh said many people had been killed and injured while carrying out non-violent protests. “Authorities do not even care if the protesters are ageing veterans, war widows or differently abled soldiers,” he said.