After pausing their march on Friday due to resistance and tear gas from security forces, a group of 101 farmers from Punjab is set to resume their procession toward Delhi on Sunday, December 8, under heavy security arrangements at the Shambhu border.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced at a press conference that the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have decided to move forward with the march peacefully, despite the lack of response from the central government. “The Modi government is in no mood to hold talks,” Pandher remarked.
Previous Clashes and Preparations
On Friday, farmers attempting to march toward Delhi were met with tear gas and resistance at the Shambhu border in Haryana’s Ambala district, where Section 163 of the BNSS had been imposed. The Haryana government also suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 11 villages in Ambala until December 9.
Sixteen farmers sustained injuries during the clashes, with one reportedly losing hearing due to the tear gas shelling. The march was halted temporarily but will resume with increased security measures, including multilayered barricades at the border.
Another farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, is staging a separate protest with a fast unto death at the Khanauri border. Reports suggest that Dallewal has already lost eight kilograms during the hunger strike.
Key Demands
The farmers are marching to demand:
- Legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP): A law ensuring MSP for crops.
- Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri victims: Accountability for the 2021 violence and compensation for affected families.
- Compensation for deceased farmers’ families: Support for families of those who lost their lives during the 2020-21 protests.
- Debt waivers and pensions: Relief measures for farmers and agricultural laborers.
- Reinstatement of Land Acquisition Act: Reinstating protective measures under the Act.
- No hike in electricity tariffs.
Background
This marks the fourth attempt by farmers to march to Delhi in protest. Previous marches, including the February 2021 ‘Dilli Chalo’ campaign, faced significant resistance and resulted in violent clashes, including a farmer’s death during a tractor rally.
With tensions high and security tightened, all eyes are on Sunday’s march as the farmers aim to reignite their demands in the heart of the national capital.
Sources By Agencies