The ongoing struggle between farmers and the central government took another turn on Saturday, as Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers (Jatha) would resume their march to Delhi on December 8, 2024.
Despite the severe protests and clashes from earlier days, there has been no communication from the Modi government for talks, according to Pandher. The protestors, part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.
The farmer unions had been pressing the government for several key issues, the most prominent being the legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
As their previous efforts to communicate with the authorities have been met with resistance, the protesters have made it clear that they are prepared for another round of action.
Pandher stated that the group of 101 farmers (Jatha) would march peacefully towards the national capital on Sunday, despite their previous setback when Haryana security personnel used force to stop their progress at the Punjab-Haryana border.
On Friday, the farmers' foot march towards Delhi had to be suspended temporarily after 16 protesters were injured when security forces used tear gas shells to disperse them. One of the farmers even lost his hearing ability as a result of the shelling.
Although most of the injured were discharged after receiving medical treatment, the incident has only intensified the farmers' resolve to press on.
Pandher was particularly vocal about the government’s failure to engage with the farmers, stating that the BJP-led central government was "in no mood to hold talks," further criticising their actions.
The farmers’ march was initially planned for Friday but was halted at the Punjab-Haryana border by multilayered barricades and the use of tear gas by security forces. The protesters, determined to continue their march, attempted to push past the barriers but were ultimately forced to retreat.
Pandher condemned the government’s actions, calling it an "exposure" of their unwillingness to listen to the farmers' grievances. He further questioned why the government did not allow the farmers to proceed, considering that they were not carrying any tractor-trolleys with them, which the authorities often cite as a reason for stopping the protesters.
Adding to the tensions, another prominent farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, continued his fast unto death at the Khanauri border. Farmers claim that Dallewal has already lost eight kilograms in weight, underscoring the intense physical and emotional toll these protests are taking on the leaders.
The Haryana Police have defended their actions, saying the farmers were attempting to create a disturbance and make efforts to dismantle the barricades that had been set up at the border.
To prevent any escalation, the Haryana government took the unusual step of suspending mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 11 villages in the Ambala district, citing the need to maintain law and order.
This temporary measure will remain in effect until December 9. The move reflects the ongoing tension and the government's fear of further unrest as the farmers continue their protest.
Earlier attempts by the farmers to march towards Delhi in February 2024 were also thwarted by security forces. This ongoing battle reflects the deepening frustration among farmers, who have been demanding a variety of reforms from the government.
Aside from the MSP, the farmers are also seeking a debt waiver for farmers, pensions for both farmers and agricultural labourers, and a halt to rising electricity tariffs.
They are also calling for the withdrawal of police cases filed against farmers during previous agitations and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Another demand, which remains a point of contention, is the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, as well as compensation for the families of farmers who died during the 2020-21 protests.
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