After suspending their march to Delhi on Friday, 101 farmers from Punjab are set to resume their procession to the national capital on Sunday at noon. Security has been ramped up at the Shambhu border in Haryana’s Ambala district, where farmers will again face heightened police presence and barricades.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, addressing a press conference, stated that despite their efforts, they have not received any communication from the Centre regarding talks. “The Modi government is in no mood to hold talks,” he added, confirming that both the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had resolved to resume the march in a peaceful manner on December 8.
The march began on Friday, but it was met with resistance from security forces at the Shambhu border. Farmers were targeted with tear gas, and Section 163 of the BNSS, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people, was enforced. As a result, the procession was halted after 16 farmers were injured, and one lost hearing due to the tear gas, according to Pandher.
To curb any further unrest, the Haryana government also suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 11 villages of Ambala district until December 9.
In addition to the farmers marching to Delhi, another prominent farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, is protesting by fasting unto death at the Khanauri border. Reports indicate that Dallewal has lost eight kilograms during the protest.
The security measures at the Shambhu border have been significantly enhanced, with multilayered barricades in place. These steps are aimed at managing the fourth attempt by farmers to march to Delhi, which follows earlier attempts in February when clashes with the police led to the death of a farmer.
The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, compensation for families of farmers who died during the 2020-21 protests, a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act. Additionally, they have opposed any hike in electricity tariffs.
As the march resumes on December 8, authorities and farmers are preparing for another round of protests, which have continued to highlight their dissatisfaction with the current agricultural policies and government responses.
