Farmers' Protest Takes a New Turn: 101 Protesters Walk to Delhi, Heading for Haryana

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Tens of thousands of farmers, primarily from Punjab, have gathered at two interstate borders in Haryana to support the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march. A delegation of 101 farmers is set to begin the march around 1 p.m. on Friday, pushing for their long-standing demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and a loan waiver. The decision to begin the march to Delhi follows two failed attempts by farmer groups, under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), to enter the national capital in February. Security forces had blocked both attempts, and since February 13, farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher informed the media that the indefinite hunger strike at Khanauri border entered its eleventh day on December 6. He confirmed that at 1 p.m. on Friday, the delegation of 101 farmers would begin their peaceful march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border. The last round of talks between the farmers and the central government ended in deadlock, with the farmers insisting on walking to Delhi rather than using tractor-trailers. In response to the growing protests, police forces from both states have been deployed in large numbers, and the borders have been sealed to prevent the farmers from entering Haryana. Despite these efforts, there have been no reports of violence or use of force against the protesters. Superintendent of Police Surender Singh Bhoria from Haryana's Ambala district assured the media that all necessary law and order arrangements had been made. He appealed to the farmers to maintain peace and follow the required procedures before heading to Delhi.

The Ambala district magistrate has issued a ban on any processions, whether on foot, by vehicles, or other modes of transport, and prohibited gatherings of five or more unauthorized people. In addition, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border, was forcibly removed and hospitalized on November 26 before resuming his protest. Pandher, a leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, emphasized that nearly 10 months had passed, and none of their demands had been addressed by the central government. The first group of farmers, or "jatha," heading towards Delhi will be led by Satnam Singh Pannu, Surinder Singh Chautala, Surjit Singh Phul, and Baljinder Singh.

The protesters are well-prepared for a long-term protest, with many bringing supplies such as vegetables, flour, lentils, and cooking oil. Men, women, and students from various age groups are participating, with some traveling by tractor-trailers, cars, and motorcycles. Farmers have set up tents and makeshift kitchens at the borders, ensuring food for the protestors. Gurdev Singh, a farmer from Moga, shared that they have brought enough ration to last two to three months. Both the Punjab and Haryana police have issued travel advisories, urging commuters to avoid certain routes near the Shambhu and Khanauri borders due to the ongoing protests.