NEW DELHI: A ‘Jatha’ (group) of 101 farmers will march to Delhi on Friday at 1 PM from the Shambhu border protest site, according to farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Pandher addressed reporters, saying that the march will proceed peacefully as planned. “The jatha will leave from here (for Delhi) tomorrow at 1 PM. I hope the government sends a positive message and does not obstruct us. With the barricading being done, it feels as though this has become an international border,” Pandher was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
However, the Ambala district administration has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning gatherings of five or more people and processions without prior permission.
The deputy commissioner’s order prohibits any assembly or procession on foot, vehicles, or other means, citing concerns over potential disruptions to public order. The restrictions, effective from November 30, will remain in place until further notice. It exempts police and public servants on duty for law and order.
Pandher, meanwhile, said that the farmers’ march is within their rights, noting, “If we go to Delhi on foot, there should be no reason to stop the farmers.”
The farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, began their protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders on February 13 after being stopped from marching to Delhi. Their demands include a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), farm debt waivers, pensions for farmers and laborers, and withdrawal of police cases against farmers. They are also seeking compensation for farmers who died during the 2020-21 protests and reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, of 2013.
Pandher criticized the authorities’ measures, comparing the border restrictions to an international boundary, saying, “They are treating us like we are enemies from some other country.” He said the first group of 101 farmers, called ‘Marjeevda Jatha,’ would begin the march, with other groups following later.
The farmers have dedicated the march to Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom, which will also be observed on Friday at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points.
Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued his fast-unto-death protest at the Khanauri border. Punjab police officials also met farmer leaders on Thursday, who assured them the march would remain peaceful and would not involve tractor-trolleys.
Pandher said talks with the government could happen only if initiated by the Centre or the chief ministers of Punjab or Haryana. He added, “If the Haryana government uses force to stop the march, it will expose their intent.”
The demands of the farmers also include no increase in electricity tariffs, “justice” for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and other reforms to support farmers and laborers.
Meanwhile, vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday called for the government to engage in discussions with distressed farmers.
Speaking at the Centenary Foundation Day event of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT) in Mumbai, Dhankhar addressed Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and raised questions about prior commitments to farmers. “Honourable agriculture minister, did previous agriculture ministers make any written commitments? If so, what became of them?” he asked.
The VP expressed concern over the situation of farmers, saying, “India has never had such a strong standing in the world. Our global reputation has never been higher. Yet, amidst this progress, why are our farmers in distress? Why are they suffering? Why are they stressed?”
He pressed on the importance of addressing farmers’ issues, stating, “Dismissing their concerns lightly shows a lack of practicality and ineffective policymaking. No force in the country can suppress the voice of the farmer. The nation will face serious consequences if it tests the patience of its farmers.”