Farmers Pause ‘Delhi Chalo’ March, Remain at Punjab-Haryana Borders Until February 29

Farmers protesting for various demands have decided to continue their demonstration at the Punjab-Haryana border sites until February 29, as announced by their leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on February 23.

The decision was made by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), the leading organizations behind the ongoing agitation at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Pandher stated that the next course of action will be determined on February 29, and outlined the planned activities for the upcoming days: a candle march on February 24, seminars discussing farmer-related issues on February 25, burning effigies of the World Trade Organization and the Centre on February 26, followed by several meetings of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM over the subsequent days.

The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was temporarily halted for two days after clashes at Khanauri resulted in the death of a protester, Shubhkaran Singh (21), and injuries to 12 police personnel. The incident occurred when some farmers attempted to breach barricades.

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In addition to demanding the removal of agriculture from the World Trade Organization agreement, seminars will be conducted on February 25 regarding this issue. Effigies of the WTO and the Centre will be burnt on February 26.

Furthermore, meetings of SKM and KMM forums are scheduled on February 27, and a joint meeting on February 28.

The farmers are also at odds with the Punjab government regarding the registration of an FIR for Shubhkaran Singh’s death. They demand martyr status and justice for Singh’s family. The delay in Singh’s post-mortem was due to the farmers’ insistence on addressing their demands.

The farmers are pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price, a farm loan waiver, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations. They are also seeking justice for victims of previous violence and compensation for families affected by past agitations.

Thousands of farmers continue to protest at Khanauri and Shambhu borders, calling for their demands to be met.