A collective of 101 farmers from Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha will recommence their foot march to Delhi from the Shambhu border on December 14. Farmer Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed the peaceful nature of the march, urging the government to begin discussions prior to any escalation of the protest.
This choice has been made following their earlier march attempt being stopped on Sunday after injuries were suffered by some farmers due to tear gas used by Haryana security forces at the Punjab-Haryana border. The protest was further postponed due to the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26.
Pandher expressed worries regarding Dallewal’s health, saying, “We are receiving information from Khanauri that Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not keeping well. The whole country is worried about his health except for the PM and Home Minister. ” He added, “We believe that forming a committee is not a solution to our problem. If the government wants to arrive at a solution, they must arrange talks with us. ”
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On Friday, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Rakesh Tikait paid a visit to Dallewal, stressing the significance of unity among farmer organizations for a joint effort. He remarked, “Dallewal ji is our big leader and we are worried about his health, farmers of the entire country are worried. ” Tikait also warned the government that farmers would again showcase their strength, this time by surrounding Delhi from the KMP expressway rather than the previous protest locations.
Farmers have been protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri since February 13, pushing for demands including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt relief, pensions for farmers and laborers, no hikes in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
