Congress Kisan Wing stages strong protest in Rajouri against Indo–US trade deal

• Bharat Priye leads protest, warns Indo–US deal may harm farmers

RAJOURI: Responding to a Union Territory–wide call for protests issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), the Kissan Department of the party today organized a strong demonstration in Rajouri against the proposed Indo–US trade agreement. The protest was led by JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman Bharat Priye, accompanied by District Rajouri Kissan Cell leaders Arun Kumar, Mohd Farooq, Suraj Parkash, Mukhtar Ahmad and Paramveer.

A large number of farmers, party workers and local residents gathered at the protest site, raising slogans and voicing their concerns over the possible implications of the proposed trade pact on India’s agricultural sector. The protesters expressed apprehension that the agreement could open the floodgates for large-scale import of foreign agricultural products, which may adversely affect local farmers and the domestic agricultural economy.

Addressing the gathering, Bharat Priye said that farmers across the country are deeply worried about the potential impact of the Indo–US trade deal on their livelihoods. He stated that agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy and any policy decision affecting the sector must be taken after careful consultation with farmer organizations and agricultural experts.

Priye warned that if the agreement allows unrestricted entry of foreign agricultural produce into the Indian market, it could create severe challenges for local farmers who are already struggling with rising costs of seeds, fertilizers and other inputs. “Small and marginal farmers form the backbone of our agricultural economy. Any policy that exposes them to unfair international competition without proper safeguards will seriously harm their income and sustainability,” he said.

He further alleged that the central government is moving ahead with trade negotiations without adequately addressing the concerns of farmers and rural communities. Priye emphasized that farmers must not be treated as collateral in international trade negotiations and urged the government to protect the interests of the agricultural sector while engaging in global trade agreements.

The Congress leader also highlighted that farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in districts like Rajouri, depend heavily on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. He said that the region’s farmers already face multiple challenges such as inadequate market access, limited irrigation facilities and rising production costs. In such circumstances, exposing them to large-scale imports from developed economies could further weaken their economic condition.

Priye reiterated that the Congress party and its Kissan wing stand firmly with the farming community and will continue to raise their voice against policies that threaten the economic security of farmers. He called upon the government to ensure minimum support price (MSP) protection, better market infrastructure, and financial assistance for farmers to strengthen the agricultural sector.

Other leaders who addressed the gathering, including Arun Kumar, Mohd Farooq, Suraj Parkash, Mukhtar Ahmad and Paramveer, also expressed strong concern over the proposed trade pact. They said that the agitation in Rajouri was part of a wider campaign being carried out across Jammu and Kashmir under the banner of JKPCC to safeguard the interests of farmers.

The speakers stressed that agriculture is not merely an economic activity but the foundation of rural life and food security in the country. They urged the government to prioritize farmer welfare and rural development while framing trade and economic policies.The protest in Rajouri remained peaceful and concluded with participants reiterating their resolve to continue democratic and constitutional agitation until the concerns of farmers are addressed. The leaders also appealed to farmers across the region to remain united and raise their voice to ensure that policies affecting agriculture are framed with the welfare of the farming community at the forefront.