The farmers' ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march has restarted, with a group of 101 farmers marching from Haryana’s Shambhu border. They claim it is their right to reach the national capital and voice their concerns. This march marks the 307th day of their ongoing protest, as they continue to press for discussions with the central government. Haryana authorities have suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages in Ambala to prevent misinformation from spreading.
The protest resumed on Saturday, with farmers raising slogans and gathering at the Shambhu border. Speaking to ANI, Sarwan Singh Pandher, a leader from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for remaining silent on their demands. He alleged that government agencies are working to undermine the farmers' movement, aiming to show that even united efforts by Punjab and Haryana farmers cannot succeed.
Meanwhile, Ambala’s Superintendent of Police told farmers they would need proper permission to proceed to Delhi. He urged them to remain peaceful and follow rules, noting that the Supreme Court recently discussed the issue and another meeting is scheduled for December 18. However, as farmers continued their march, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.
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Farmers are protesting for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Despite cold weather, farmers remain steadfast, camping in makeshift arrangements at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
The Supreme Court recently intervened to ensure medical aid for Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the chief of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26. A bench of justices emphasized that Dallewal’s life is more important than any protest and urged direct dialogue with him.
Ahead of the protest’s resumption, Haryana’s government suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Ambala’s Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru villages. The order cited concerns over potential unrest, damage to public property, and threats to public peace. The suspension will remain in effect until December 17.
Authorities believe the restrictions will prevent the spread of misinformation on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, which could mobilize mobs and lead to violent activities. Heavy security has also been deployed in border areas to maintain law and order.
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