Farmers Set To Resume ‘Delhi Chalo’ March; Pressing For Long-Pending Demands

Farmers are set to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ foot march on Saturday, determined to press the government for the fulfillment of their long-pending demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and loan waivers. This march marks the continuation of an ongoing protest that has now lasted for 10 months.

Group Of 101 Farmers To Head Toward Delhi

A group of 101 farmers will set out on foot towards the national capital, continuing their protest that began at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana. The farmers have been camping at these locations since February 13 after security forces blocked their previous attempts to reach Delhi. Farmers are carrying out the protest under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

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Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the decision to resume the march, stating that the farmers had offered prayers at Sikh shrines, seeking blessings for the movement’s success and solidarity.

Farmer Leader’s Health Deteriorates Amid Protest

Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 18 days at the Khanauri border, is facing severe health issues. His condition has worsened, with doctors reporting significant weight loss and unstable blood pressure. In light of his deteriorating health, the Supreme Court intervened on Friday, directing the Punjab and Central governments to ensure medical assistance for Dallewal. The court stressed that his life was more important than the ongoing agitation and advised farmers to adopt peaceful, Gandhian methods of protest.

Increased Security Measures Ahead Of The March

In anticipation of the march, authorities have heightened security along the interstate border near the Ghaggar rivulet, deploying central paramilitary forces and Haryana police in the area. During previous attempts to march, security forces had used teargas shells to prevent the farmers from crossing barricades. The area is heavily guarded with temporary barricades set up to restrict the movement of the protesters.

Protestors Remain Firm Despite Setbacks

The farmers had briefly suspended their march on December 8 after clashes with security forces at Shambhu led to injuries. However, their resolve remains strong, and they continue to demand legal reforms to improve the agricultural sector. In the face of heavy security measures, including the invocation of prohibitory orders by the Haryana Police under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the farmers remain committed to bringing their grievances directly to Parliament.