365 days at Khanauri: Farmers' protest 2.0 continues as the demands remain unmet
PTC News Desk: Today marks one year to the second phase of farmers protest at Punjab Haryana border and to commemorate the occasion, a large gathering of farmers 'mahapanchayat' was held at the Khanauri border on Wednesday. Farmers' multiple attempts of Delhi March were foiled by Haryana police and several meetings with Centre over their demands remained inconclusive.
In order to press central governments against their demands which include legal guarantee on MSP as per Dr. Swaminathan report and debt waiver, farmers have been protesting at the border for a year.
The entire year of farmers protest was also marked with certain unfortunate incidents including Shubhkaran Singh's death and jagjit Singh Dallewal's fast unto death.
Death of Shubhkaran Singh
Farmers from different parts of Punjab gathered on 13 February 2024 at Shambhu and Khanuri borders to march towards Delhi under the banner of United Kisan Morcha Non-Political and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. However the attempt took an ugly turn when an attempt to march towards the national capital turned into an altercation between farmers and the Haryana Police resulting in the death of Shubhkaran Singh and several farmers got injured.
Dallewal's fast-unto-death
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal sat on a hunger strike on November 26 and pleged to continue until the government fulfill the legitimate demands of the farmers. Inspite of worsening health condition, Dallewal refused for medical intervention. However, later as centre acceded to hold meeting with farmers, he was administered intervenous fluid.
Supreme Court's cognisance
The Supreme Court took suo moto cognisance of Dallewal's worsening health condition and rebuked central and state government over their failed attempts to facilitate medical aid to farmer leader who is also a cancer patient. Several officials representing central government reached Khanauri border on January 18 and submitted a letter of meeting to the farmers. The meeting between farmer leaders and centre is slated to be held on Friday February 14.
Demands of Farmers
- PTC NEWS
