Farmers’ Protest At Shambhu Border Intensifies; 101 Farmers To March To Delhi

The farmers’ protest against contentious agricultural laws entered its 307th day on Saturday, with Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announcing that a third ‘Jathha’ (group) of 101 farmers will attempt to march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border at noon.

Key Announcements and Criticism

• Pandher’s Statement on Government Silence:
  • The farmer leader accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of remaining silent on the farmers’ demands.
  • He criticized the government for allegedly attempting to undermine the protest and create divisions within communities.
  “The whole country is connected with us and supporting the protest. Our Prime Minister has remained silent, and the Agriculture Minister has not addressed the issue either. Government agencies are trying to prove that even if Punjab and Haryana come together, the movement cannot win,” Pandher said.
• Call for Support:
  • Pandher urged citizens across the country to join the farmers, emphasizing that no government can overpower the collective will of the people.
  • He reiterated that the country is determined by its people rather than any political party.

Farmers’ Demands and Agitation

The farmers are advocating for a charter of 12 demands, including the implementation of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops by both the state and Union governments.

1. Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s Fast-Unto-Death:
   • Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) convener Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 at the Khanauri border.
   • The Supreme Court on Friday urged the Centre and Punjab to provide immediate medical aid to Dallewal, highlighting that his life is “more precious than any agitation.”
2. Participation and Protest Sites:
   • Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh remain camped at Delhi’s borders in makeshift arrangements despite harsh weather conditions.
   • Drone visuals show roads blocked with vehicles at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, underscoring the scale of the protest.

Government’s Response and Political Reactions

• Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini:
  • Saini countered opposition claims, particularly from the Congress, regarding MSP for crops.
  • He criticized Congress governments in states like Himachal Pradesh and Telangana for failing to purchase crops at MSP.
  “In the last 10 years, we have bought crops on MSP. Congress governments cannot make the same claim. People have understood their reality,” Saini said.
• Opposition Stand:
  • The Congress and other opposition parties continue to support the farmers’ demands while accusing the ruling BJP of neglecting their concerns.

Conclusion

As the farmers’ agitation continues to gather momentum, the march to Delhi and intensifying demonstrations aim to pressure the government into addressing their longstanding demands, particularly on MSP. The government, meanwhile, faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of the protests and dialogue with farmers.

The 307-day standoff underscores the resilience of the movement, with leaders like Sarwan Singh Pandher calling for nationwide solidarity and collective action.