Chandigarh: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that a 101-member farmer group will resume their march to Delhi on Sunday, December 8, citing the Centre’s continued silence on their demands. The protesting farmers are pushing for a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) alongside other key concessions. Pandher criticized the Modi government for its alleged unwillingness to engage in discussions, reflecting a deepening rift between the Centre and agitating farmers.
Tensions escalated on Friday when Haryana Police used tear gas at the Punjab-Haryana border, injuring 16 protesters. One individual reportedly suffered hearing loss due to the attack, and while most injured farmers were discharged, four remain hospitalized. Farmer unions, including Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, condemned the Centre’s inaction, reiterating their commitment to peaceful protests.
The march was temporarily halted after protesters faced multilayered barricades at the border. Despite their attempts to breach the barriers, they were forced to retreat to Shambhu in Punjab. Haryana Police accused protesters of creating disturbances, but Pandher refuted these claims, alleging harsh treatment by the authorities.
Amid rising tensions, Haryana Police requested that Punjab authorities ensure media personnel maintain a distance of at least 1 km from the protest site, sparking a backlash. Punjab’s Patiala Police similarly advised journalists to avoid the area, raising concerns about transparency.
Beyond MSP guarantees, the farmers are demanding debt waivers, pensions for laborers, stable electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and compensation for victims of the 2020-21 protests. Justice for the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence and reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, are also key issues.
Friday’s events prompted the Haryana government to suspend mobile internet and SMS services in 11 Ambala district villages until December 9. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border, reportedly lost eight kilograms as protests enter a critical phase. The march underscores the growing frustration among farmers, who remain steadfast in their fight for justice and recognition.
