Farmers’ refusal to meet the Supreme Court-appointed committee has escalated tensions, with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) calling for a massive ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ at Khanauri on January 4. This move underlines the farmers’ dissatisfaction with the government and judiciary’s approach to resolving their core issues.
Farmers Reject Supreme Court Committee Invitation
The SKM declined to attend the meeting with the Supreme Court-appointed panel, scheduled for January 3. The committee, headed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nawab Singh, was set up in September 2024 to address issues at the Shambhu and Khanauri border protests. However, the farmers’ body criticized the panel’s focus on removing highway blockades rather than addressing farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of 24 crops.
Khanauri Protest Gains Momentum
The agitation at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders has been ongoing since February 13, 2024, with farmers from multiple states demanding redressal of grievances. Despite the Supreme Court’s efforts to mediate, the SKM has reiterated its opposition to court intervention, maintaining that their fight is against policies introduced by the central government.
Health Crisis Amid Hunger Strike
Adding urgency to the protest, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a hunger strike for 37 days, refusing to end his fast until the government commits to MSP guarantees. His deteriorating health has galvanized support among the farming community, intensifying calls for decisive government action.
Kisan Mahapanchayat To Be Held On January 4
In response to the current situation, SKM leader Kaka Singh Kotra announced a major gathering at Khanauri. “Farmers from various states will participate,” he said. This event is expected to serve as a platform for discussing the future course of the farmers’ agitation. Dallewal may address the gathering, further highlighting the movement’s demands.
The ongoing protests reflect deep-seated discontent among the farming community and underscore the need for the government to engage meaningfully with their concerns.