The ongoing farmers’ agitation at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border entered its second day on Saturday. A ‘jatha’ of 101 farmers, spearheaded by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM, non-political), announced plans to march towards Delhi on December 8. This move comes after the Centre failed to initiate talks to address their longstanding demands.
Farmers Injured In Clashes At Shambhu Border
On Friday, as the protestors attempted to advance towards Delhi, Haryana security forces resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse them. Reports reveal that as many as 15 farmers were injured, with one reportedly losing their hearing due to the force of the shells. Around 17 protesters were admitted to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the use of excessive force, stating, “The BJP government at the Centre has been exposed. People are angry with this action. The farmers were peaceful, without tractor-trolleys, yet they were stopped so brutally.”
Key Demands Of The Farmers
The agitating farmers are pressing for several demands from the government, including:
- Legal Guarantee For MSP: Farmers seek an assurance of minimum support price for their crops.
- Debt Waiver And Pension: They demand farm debt relief and pension provisions for farmers and agricultural laborers.
- Withdrawal Of Police Cases: Farmers are calling for the removal of cases registered against them during previous protests.
- No Hike In Electricity Tariff: The community has opposed the proposed increase in power tariffs.
- Justice For Lakhimpur Kheri Victims: Farmers are also advocating for justice in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, where several farmers lost their lives.
Clashes And Memories Of Past Protests
The situation at the Shambhu border bears similarities to the February march earlier this year, which saw over 450 injuries and the tragic death of a 22-year-old protester. The farmers’ demands for legal backing of MSP remain central to the movement.
Punjab Minister Criticizes Centre’s Inaction
Baljit Kaur, Punjab’s Minister of Social Justice, expressed disappointment over the Centre’s inaction, emphasizing that the farmers’ demands are directed at the Union Government. “All the demands of the farmers are related to the central government, not the state government,” she told ANI.
The Punjab government also criticized the tear gas shelling on farmers. Kaur added that such actions reflect the Centre’s unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the farmers.
Farmers Seek Representation In Parliament
Speaking to the media, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher demanded that the issues faced by farmers be discussed in Parliament. “Parliament is our temple of democracy, and it is where these issues should be addressed,” he said.
Pandher accused the central government of avoiding negotiations and ignoring the plight of the largest voter base in the country—farmers and laborers. “The Centre has shown no interest in addressing our demands. There is no MP speaking for us in Parliament,” Pandher lamented.
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Haryana Police Tightens Security
With Section 144 imposed in Ambala, the Haryana police have tightened security at the Shambhu border to prevent gatherings of more than five people. Journalists were also advised to maintain a safe distance from the protesting crowd.
A senior officer stated, “Law and order are of utmost priority. Media personnel must ensure they stay at least a kilometer away from the protesters to avoid any untoward incidents.”
Opposition Slams Government’s Response
The opposition, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, criticized the Centre’s handling of the situation. Jha accused the authorities of being insensitive to the farmers’ plight, highlighting the discrepancy between their statements and actions.
“There is a stark difference between what the Agriculture Minister says in Parliament and what happens on the ground. Tear gas and lathi charges do not reflect a government that cares about its farmers,” Jha told ANI.
Historic Demands And A Call For Change
This fresh wave of protests is reminiscent of the massive farmers’ agitation of 2020-21, which successfully led to the repeal of three controversial farm laws. However, the farmers’ demands for a legal guarantee for MSP and other welfare measures remain unfulfilled.
The protesters have also called for reinstating the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and providing compensation to the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation.
Centre’s Response Still Awaited
Despite the growing unrest, the Centre has yet to announce any plans for dialogue with the protesting farmers. Pandher said, “We are not protesting for political gain. Our fight is for our rights, our future, and our survival.”
As the ‘jatha’ prepares to resume its march to Delhi, the farmers’ demands and grievances continue to dominate the headlines, raising questions about the government’s commitment to addressing their issues.
This situation underscores the ongoing struggle between India’s agrarian community and policymakers, leaving the nation waiting for meaningful solutions to bridge the divide.