Farmers Gear Up for Nationwide Tractor March, Punjab to Halt Trains on December 18

Jalandhar(The Uttam Hindu): For the last 10 months, Punjab farmers were unyielding in their demands. The farmers, beginning their march towards Delhi from Shambhu Border at noon on Saturday, have now stopped it after Haryana security forces fired tear gas shells. In this response, the farmers decided to suspend their foot march for the time being. Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that both groups had decided to call back their contingents. When asked about the question, Pandher said that 17-18 farmers were injured during the action by Haryana's security forces.

Farmers have now announced a nationwide protest with a tractor march and a rail blockade. According to the farmer leaders, on 16 December, the tractor march would take place. The country will see a march except Punjab on the given date. They have further announced that on 18th of December, there would be a complete rail blockade between 12 pm and 3 pm. The second round of contingent, according to the farmer leaders, is from Haryana, along with a different group of women. Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who had been on hunger strike at the Khanoori Border since 26 November said, "There is so much anger among the farmers. We cannot tolerate any mistake. If anything happens to a farmer, the Modi government will be fully responsible."

Meanwhile, at Shambhu Border, a farmer suicide was attempted. Farmer leader Tejveer Singh reported that Jodh Singh, farmer from Khanna, Ludhiana, consumed poison. He is sent to Rajendra Hospital in Patiala, as his condition is extremely critical.