Chandigarh: A group of 101 farmers will resume their “Delhi Chalo” protest foot-march from the Shambhu border on January 21 to demand that the Centre address key issues, including the implementation of a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops and a debt waiver.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the protest on 16th January 2025, explaining that the group had previously attempted to march towards Delhi on foot on December 6,8, and 14 last year. However, these attempts were thwarted by Haryana police and central forces, who used tear gas, resulting in injuries to around 50 farmers.
Pandher criticized the Central government for failing to address the demands of farmers who have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024. He stated that the farm unions Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had decided to resume the protest on January 21 and intensify their efforts until their demands are met. Pandher also lamented the governments indifference, pointing out that they have not been invited for talks regarding their concerns.
The upcoming march will be led by Bakwant Singh Behramke, state president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), and Manjit Singh Rai, state president of BKU (Doaba).
The announcement follows a day after 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death in support of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast has now entered its 52nd day at the Khanauri border.
In response to the escalating protests, Haryana police have increased security around the Khanauri border and imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which bans gatherings of five or more people.
Farmer leaders also criticized the Punjab government for filing police cases under Section 307 (attempt to murder) against protesting farmers, stemming from the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally in Ferozepur on January 5, 2022.
