Farmer Protest: Farmers demanding a law to guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other critical reforms are set to march to Delhi from the Shambhu border on Sunday. The protest marks the 300th day of their agitation, underscoring their determination despite repeated clashes with authorities.
On Friday, a confrontation between protesting farmers and Haryana Police left several injured, with nine sustaining minor injuries. Tragically, one farmer reportedly lost their hearing due to the altercation.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, visited the injured and expressed solidarity with them. “Our struggle continues,” he affirmed, emphasizing the farmers’ resilience despite the challenges.
A joint press conference on Saturday by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) at the Shambhu border brought the farmers’ grievances to the forefront. Pandher criticized the central government for its lack of response.
“We have not received any communication from the central government,” he said. Announcing plans for the Sunday march, Pandher stated that a delegation of 101 farmers would set out for Delhi at around noon.
He also accused the government of obstructing peaceful protests, saying, “The refusal to allow us to protest peacefully shows the real face of the government.” To avoid further allegations of disruption, farmers are now marching on foot instead of using tractors, yet they face resistance at every step.
Pandher reiterated the farmers’ openness to dialogue during his media address. “Central and state ministers labeled us disruptive because we used tractors. Now we are marching on foot, yet we are still stopped,” he said.
He expressed a desire to engage directly with the Prime Minister, stating, “If we could reach Delhi, we would ask the Prime Minister our questions directly.”
Despite Friday’s confrontation, Pandher saw it as a “moral victory” for the farmers. He urged the Union Agriculture Minister to engage with the protesters and address their concerns. While Saturday’s march was suspended, he confirmed that it would resume on Sunday.
In the aftermath of the clashes, Pandher questioned the government’s heavy-handed response to peaceful protesters. “Why are we being treated like enemies?” he asked, highlighting the severe injuries sustained by eight farmers, with two in critical condition.
The farmers’ delegation of 101 members traveled in a disciplined manner but encountered barricades and forceful resistance. “We were unarmed and marched peacefully. Yet, the government used force to stop us, and our legitimate questions remain unanswered, Pandher said.
