Farmers’ Protest: No March to Delhi on Tuesday; Pandher Criticizes Government’s ‘Confused’ Stand

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that no jatha (group) of farmers would resume their foot march to Delhi on Tuesday. The decision comes as agitating farmers plan to deliberate on their next steps in a meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on the same day.

The announcement follows incidents on Sunday when Haryana security forces halted farmers’ march at the Shambhu border, resulting in injuries caused by teargas shelling. Addressing the media at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders on Monday, Pandher criticized the BJP-led central government, accusing it of being “confused” and inconsistent regarding the farmers’ mode of travel to the national capital.

“First, they objected to farmers traveling in tractor trolleys. Now, when farmers choose to march on foot, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar suggests they should use vehicles instead,” Pandher said at Shambhu.

Khattar, in his remarks on Monday in Karnal, stated that no one is stopping the farmers but insisted that “there is a proper way” to reach Delhi. He dismissed the protests as unproductive, adding sarcastically that farmers could use the available vehicles.

Pandher responded sharply to Khattar’s remarks, highlighting the contradictions in previous statements. “When he was Haryana CM, Khattar used to say farmers should abandon tractors and march on foot. Now, they are suggesting vehicles. The government’s conflicting statements are damaging its credibility,” he said.

Pandher also criticized other leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, for their contradictory remarks. “The government seems more concerned about the mode of travel rather than addressing farmers’ real demands,” he added.

Referring to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast unto death, which entered its 14th day, Pandher revealed that Dallewal had already lost 11 kg. “The government remains indifferent, trying to shift focus away from our genuine demands. Dallewal will continue his fast until the demands are met,” Pandher stated.

Punjab Police officials reportedly visited Dallewal at Khanauri border, expressing concerns over his health. However, Pandher urged the Punjab government to press the Centre instead of intervening at the protest site.

In solidarity with Dallewal, farmers at Khanauri announced they would not cook meals on Tuesday.

The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, and withdrawal of police cases. They are also seeking justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, compensation for those who died during previous agitations, and reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13 after multiple attempts to march to Delhi were blocked by security forces. Despite two failed attempts to proceed on foot earlier this month, Pandher emphasized that their movement will continue until their demands are fulfilled.

News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”