Farmers' protest: Vinesh Phogat joins farmers' gathering at Shambhu border, says 'govt should listen'

Farmers' protest: Westler Vinesh Phogat joined the massive farmers' protest at the Shambhu border on Saturday. She expressed her steadfast support for the farmers' protest by declaring, "Your daughter is with you". 

On Saturday, farmers at the Shambhu border held a massive gathering to mark the 200th day of their ongoing protest. Phogat joined them as an act of solidarity.

Farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu border since February 13, when officials halted their march to Delhi. Among other demands, protesters want a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.

The farmers honoured Phogat with garlands as she joined the protest.

Vinesh Phogat expressed respect for the farmers during her address at the Shambhu border, stating that they have been waiting there for a long time, fighting for their rights, yet their energy and commitment remain unchanged.

"It's been 200 days since they gathered here. It is painful to see this. All of them are citizens of this nation. Farmers run the country. Nothing is possible without them, even athletes; if they do not feed us, we will be unable to compete," she said. "We are often helpless and unable to do anything; we represent the country at high levels, but we cannot do anything for our families, even when we see them sad. I urge the government to listen. They admitted the mistake the last time, and they should keep their promises. The country will not progress if people sit on the streets like this," Vinesh Phogat added.

"I feel lucky to have been born into a farming family. I want you to know that your daughter is with you. Nobody else will defend our rights, so we must stand up for ourselves. I pray to God that our demands are met, and don’t return without claiming your rights," Phogat stated.