The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Chandigarh): The Center’s deployment of heavy forces around Delhi to deter farmers from reaching the national capital signals acceptance of the nationwide scale of the ongoing protest, claims farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Pandher alleges that nearly 100 farmers were detained in Rajasthan while en route to Delhi. He asserts that the government’s actions in barricading and deploying forces in Delhi signify recognition that the agitation extends beyond Punjab and Haryana.
The call for nationwide support, initiated by farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, urged farmers from across the country to join the protest in Delhi on March 6. Additionally, a four-hour ‘rail roko’ call was issued for March 10 in support of various demands, notably including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to pressure the government into accepting farmers’ demands. While farmers from Punjab and Haryana continue their agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri border points, farmers from other states are urged to converge on Delhi.
Pandher questions the imposition of prohibitory orders and heavy barricading in Delhi, suggesting it acknowledges the nationwide reach of the protest. He condemns the detention of farmers, including those from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Despite the obstacles, Pandher emphasizes the resolve of farmers and plans for future actions, including celebrations for International Women’s Day and ‘rail roko’ protests across Punjab on March 10.
The ongoing standoff began on February 13 when security forces halted the “Delhi Chalo” march, leading to clashes at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. The protesters remain steadfast, demanding their grievances be addressed by the government.
