Farmers Plan Dilli Chalo March Amid Health Crisis of Leader Dallewal
Farmers Plan Renewed March on Delhi as Leader’s Health Worsens
Shambhu Border, punjab – A group of 101 farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are set to resume their march on foot to Delhi on December 14th from the Shambhu border. This comes after their previous attempt was halted by Haryana security personnel on December 9th, resulting in injuries to some protesters.
Farmer Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the renewed march, emphasizing its peaceful nature. He urged the government to engage in dialog before the farmers escalate their protest.
Adding to the urgency, farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26th, is reportedly in deteriorating health. His fast-unto-death has entered its 18th day,raising concerns among fellow farmers and leaders.
“Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not keeping well and the whole country is worried about him,” Pandher stated, expressing disappointment that the Prime minister and Home Minister seem unconcerned. “Neither are they worried about our Delhi March nor are they worried about what’s happening in Khanauri.”
Pandher reiterated the farmers’ demand for direct talks with the government, asserting that forming a committee is not a sufficient solution.
17341084728751734108473259.jpg” alt=”Farmers at the Shambhu border a day after their Dilli Chalo march was suspended, in Patiala, Punjab, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.(PTI)” title=”Farmers at the Shambhu border a day after their Dilli Chalo march was suspended, in Patiala, Punjab, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.(PTI)”>Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Rakesh Tikait visited Dallewal on friday, expressing solidarity and calling for unity among farmers’ groups.
“Dallewal ji is our big leader and we are worried about his health, farmers of the entire country are worried,” Tikait said. “We are worried about his health…the government should take cognizance..it dose not seem that Dallewal will take back his fast-unto-death till the time the government does not hold talks and meets their demands.”
Tikait warned that the government will face the full force of the farmers’ movement if their demands are not met. He suggested a new strategy, surrounding Delhi not at its borders but via the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal expressway (KMP).
“The agitation (against now repealed farm laws) ran for 13 months at Delhi’s borders… the government once again needs 4 lakh tractors. The agitation this time will be on KMP,we will have to make KMP the borders,” Tikait declared.
Farmers have been camped at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13th, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases against them, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Farmers’ March on Delhi Revived amidst Leader’s Deteriorating Health
Shambhu Border, Punjab – Tensions are escalating as a group of 101 farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, prepare to resume their march on foot to Delhi on December 14th. This decision follows the abrupt halt of their initial attempt on December 9th by Haryana security personnel, resulting in injuries to some protestors.
Farmer Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the renewed march, emphasizing its peaceful nature and urging the government to engage in dialog to avoid further escalation.
Adding urgency to the situation, farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, on a hunger strike since November 26th, is reportedly experiencing worsening health. His fast-unto-death has entered its 18th day, alarming fellow farmers and leaders.
“Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not keeping well and the whole country is worried about him,” Pandher stated, expressing disappointment at the perceived lack of concern from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. “Neither are they worried about our Delhi March nor are they worried about what’s happening in Khanauri.”
Pandher reiterated the farmers’ demand for direct talks wiht the government, asserting that forming a committee is insufficient.
Adding weight to the movement, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Rakesh Tikait visited dallewal on Friday, expressing solidarity and calling for unity among farmers’ groups.
“Dallewal ji is our big leader and we are worried about his health, farmers of the entire country are worried,” Tikait said.”We are worried about his health…the government should take cognizance..it dose not seem that Dallewal will take back his fast-unto-death till the time the government does not hold talks and meets their demands.”
Tikait warned that the government will face the full force of the farmers’ movement if their demands are not met. He suggested a new strategy, surrounding Delhi not at its borders but via the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal expressway (KMP).
“The agitation (against now repealed farm laws) ran for 13 months at Delhi’s borders… the government once again needs 4 lakh tractors. The agitation this time will be on KMP, we will have to make KMP the borders,” Tikait declared.
The farmers have encampmented at the Shambhu and khanauri border points as February 13th, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases against them, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.