Farmers in Punjab, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), have decided to march towards Delhi on December 6, demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) and other agricultural reforms. This announcement followed a meeting of farmer leaders in Chandigarh on Monday, underscoring their frustration after months of waiting for government action.
Since February 13, farmers have been staging a peaceful protest at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana. Their initial "Delhi Chalo" march was halted by security forces. After nine months of what they termed as neglect by the Centre, the farmers are preparing to advance towards the national capital in batches.
KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the government for ignoring their demands and refusing to hold discussions. "We waited peacefully for nine months, but the Centre’s silence has left us with no choice but to march to Delhi," Pandher stated.
The protesting farmers, represented by groups like the Bharatiya Kisan Union, have been at the border for 280 days. Their list of demands includes not only MSP guarantees but also a farm debt waiver, pension for farmers and laborers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases against protesters, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They also seek reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 agitation.
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To intensify their movement, the farmers have announced a fast unto death starting November 26. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal will lead this hunger strike, symbolizing their determination to pressure the government.
This renewed march and planned hunger strike reflect the farmers' frustration with the lack of progress on their issues. As they head towards Delhi, they hope to bring attention to their plight and push the government into action.
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