A group of 101 farmers, forming a ‘Jathha,’ resumed their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march on Saturday from Haryana’s Shambhu border. As the movement enters its 307th day, the farmers reaffirmed their constitutional right to protest peacefully in the national capital while pressing their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Addressing the march, Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar for their silence on the farmers’ plight. He also alleged divisive tactics by certain political figures, stating, “The government agencies are trying to ensure the morcha does not succeed. However, we aim to show how collective citizen efforts can shape the nation’s governance.”
Escalation at Shambhu Border
Despite appeals from the Ambala Superintendent of Police (SP) to halt their march without official permission, the protesters moved forward. Police resorted to using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The SP assured the farmers that a Supreme Court hearing on December 18 would address their grievances, urging them to remain peaceful until then.
The protestors, however, remain undeterred, camping in makeshift shelters amid harsh winter conditions. Blockades have been set up at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, further intensifying the standoff.
Core Demands
In addition to MSP, farmers are demanding:
- Debt waivers
- Pensions for farmers and agricultural laborers
- A rollback of police cases against protesters
- Justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence
- Prevention of electricity tariff hikes
Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, urged authorities to hold direct dialogues with Dallewal, emphasizing that “his life is more precious than any agitation.”
Internet Shutdown and Security Measures
In anticipation of unrest, the Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services in several villages near Ambala from December 14 to 17. The official notice cited risks of misinformation and public disturbances via social media.
The protests remain a powerful reminder of the farmers’ resilience as they continue their push for justice and reforms in Indian agriculture.
