Protesting farmers at Shambhu border to march towards Delhi on December 6

PTC Web Desk: Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, currently staging a protest at the Shambhu Border, have decided to intensify their struggle by marching towards Delhi on December 6. This decision was made during a meeting held in Chandigarh on Monday, where farmer leaders reiterated their plan to head to the national capital. The protest has been ongoing for months, with farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher alleging that the government has continuously ignored their demands, despite farmers maintaining a peaceful stance for the past nine months.

Pandher announced that this time, farmers would not be taking their tractors and trolleys with them but would instead travel in groups. The farmers have requested the government to provide a designated space for their demonstration in Delhi, specifically asking for permission to hold protests at Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Maidan.

Sarwan Singh Pandher said the government had until December 6 to address their concerns. "If the government fails to meet their demands, farmers will march to Delhi in large numbers.," he said. 

In the lead-up to the Delhi march, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has announced a hunger strike. On November 26, Dallewal will begin an indefinite fast at Khanauri Border. Dallewal has expressed frustration over the government's alleged indifferent attitude to the farmers' issues, especially concerning the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and transparency in crop procurement. He Dallewal has vowed to continue his hunger strike until his last breath if necessary.

The ongoing struggle by farmers, particularly those from Punjab, has been centered around the issue of MSP for crops. This protest, which started in February 2024, has led to significant disruptions, with the Haryana government erecting barricades at the Shambhu Border to limit movement. The disruption has severely affected local trade in Ambala, prompting local traders to file a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court had instructed the Haryana government to open the border, but the government has challenged the order in the Supreme Court, where the case is still pending.

Since February, the government has partially closed the Shambhu Border, affecting commuters and travellers. The High Court had reprimanded both the Punjab and Haryana governments for the difficulties caused by the closure. However, the situation remains unresolved, and the protests show no signs of abating.

The farmer leaders have called on their supporters to register for the December 6 march, with registration beginning on November 30. They have vowed to keep detailed records of all participants to ensure proper coordination. Farmers from across the state are expected to join the march.