- Patiala - UPDATED: February 24, 2024, 11:30 PM - 2 min read
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher with others addresses the media during the ongoing farmers protest over various demands at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border, in Patiala district, Saturday (left). Candles are lit on a highway near tractors and trolleys of the protesting farmers in tribute to a youth who was allegedly killed in Police action at Khanauri border amid their ongoing protest, during a candlelight vigil at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border on Saturday (right).
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher asserted on Saturday that the ongoing "Delhi Chalo" agitation will not cease until their demands are met, even if it extends beyond the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and the imposition of the model code of conduct.
This unwavering stance comes amid continued deadlock in talks with the Union government despite four rounds of dialogue. Meanwhile, farmers held candlelight vigils in Shambhu and Khanauri along the Punjab-Haryana border, commemorating a youth who tragically lost his life during the protests.
The agitation took a grim turn last Wednesday when 21-year-old Shubhkaran from Bathinda succumbed to injuries sustained in a clash at Khanauri. His cremation remains delayed as farmer leaders insist on action against those responsible for his death, demanding an FIR registration by the Punjab government.
A farmer with his family during a candlelight vigil in tribute to a young farmer who was allegedly killed in Police action at Khanauri border amid their ongoing protest, at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, in Patiala district on Saturday.
In Delhi, authorities partially reopened the Singhu and Tikri border points with Haryana after a two-week closure due to the farmers' march. This decision reflects the temporary halt announced by protesting groups until month-end. However, authorities remain vigilant and prepared to reimpose restrictions if necessary.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), spearheading the march, initially paused the movement for two days following the Khanauri incident, which also injured around 12 police personnel. However, they have declared their intention to continue camping at the border points until February 29th, when their future course of action will be determined.
The Haryana government has extended the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until Saturday.
KMM leader Pandher, speaking at Shambhu, reiterated that their next steps will be announced on February 29th. He emphasized, "Our demands are non-negotiable. If the Centre addresses them tomorrow, we'll reconsider our course of action. But the agitation will continue until then."
Regarding the potential impact of the model code of conduct, Pandher dismissed concerns, stating, "We're not distributing MP tickets, so the code doesn't bind us. We won't campaign at polling booths. The agitation may even persist beyond the code's enforcement."
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