Farmers to Resume 'Delhi Chalo' March After 10 Months

Chandigarh- A group of 101 farmers will resume their 'Delhi Chalo' march towards the national capital on Saturday, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and loan waivers. This marks the continuation of their ongoing protest, which has now reached 10 months.

The farmers, part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. Their previous attempts to march to Delhi were thwarted by security forces.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the decision to march, stating that farmers had gathered at Sikh shrines to pray for the movement's success. However, concerns are growing for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border for over 18 days. His health has significantly deteriorated, with doctors reporting weight loss and unstable blood pressure.

The Supreme Court, on Friday, directed the Punjab and Central governments to ensure medical assistance for Dallewal, emphasizing the priority of his life over the agitation. The court also suggested that the farmers adopt Gandhian methods of protest.

Anticipating the march, security measures have been tightened along the interstate border on the Ghaggar rivulet, with central paramilitary forces and Haryana police deployed. During previous attempts, security forces used teargas shells and erected barricades to prevent farmers from crossing.

Protesting farmers briefly suspended their march on December 8 after clashes with security personnel at Shambhu left some injured. Despite facing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the farmers remain determined to reach Parliament and highlight their demands for agricultural reforms.