Farmers have ramped up their protest at the Shambhu border, as they take out tractors for a march following the announcement of a new series of protests in Punjab. The demonstration gained momentum on Sunday when farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher revealed plans for a tractor march outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a ‘Rail Roko’ protest in Punjab on December 18.
Pandher’s announcement came shortly after a group of 101 farmers, called the ‘Jathha’, was blocked by the police at the Shambhu border due to security concerns. Despite the roadblocks and heavy police presence, the farmers remained determined in their efforts to continue protesting. Earlier on Sunday, security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the farmers, who had attempted to march towards Delhi as part of their ongoing ‘Delhi Kooch’ protest. Pandher claimed that 17 farmers were injured during the crackdown and accused the authorities of negligence in providing medical treatment.
“Seventeen farmers have been injured, many of whom are in serious condition, and they are not being provided proper treatment at the hospital. We urge the Punjab government to ensure adequate treatment,” said Pandher. The farmer leader also criticized the opposition, specifically Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for not effectively raising farmers’ issues in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.
The protest began earlier this week when the group of 101 farmers, part of a larger protest planned by farmers’ organizations, was stopped by the police at the Shambhu border. Despite the efforts to march peacefully, security forces cited the need for permission to enter Delhi, which the farmers did not have. The police presence was heightened at the site to prevent any escalation of the situation.
Pandher called for greater participation from Punjabis in the upcoming protests, urging them to join the tractor march and the ‘Rail Roko’ on December 18. In his statement, he also lamented the lack of political support, saying that the opposition should take a stronger stand for the farmers.
The protests at the Shambhu border come amid rising tensions between farmers and the government, with the latter’s refusal to grant permissions for demonstrations in the national capital. Farmers are demanding the government address their issues, including the implementation of promises made during past protests.
As the protests intensify, farmers are determined to press the government to act on their demands, even as the standoff at the Shambhu border continues. The farmers’ agitation, rooted in concerns over agricultural policies and the promise of government reforms, has garnered attention from both supporters and critics across the nation.
Sources By Agencies