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Watch Farmers’ Stylish ‘Tractor March’ At Shambhu Border

December 16, 2024, 7:16 pm

Tractors flooded the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as farmers organised a march on tractors, where protesting farmers continue to remain over their various demands.

The ongoing Punjab and Haryana farmers’ protest has intensified after violent clashes between farmers and Haryana police in which 17 farmers were reportedly injured. The farmers have stood up to their warning and are continuing with tractor march planned for December 16 and a ‘Rail Roko’ on December 18.

Watch it here:

#WATCH | Ambala, Haryana: Farmers march to Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border on tractors, where protesting farmers continue to remain over their various demands. pic.twitter.com/ofLOqcL1id

— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024

See Haryana farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni has invited Sanyukt Kisan Morcha to fight together:

Haryana farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni to the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha
Through the letter, he has invited the SKM to fight together, referring to the deteriorating health of Jagjit Singh. Therefore, he said to hold a meeting on Shambhu Morcha. pic.twitter.com/73loSV0rYR

— Ashu Aneja (@ashuaneja1) December 16, 2024

Anil Vij, Haryana Minister has urged farmers to find alternative ways to protest, rather than blocking trains.

In a statement, he said, “After permission from the Administration, every organisation can hold a protest. The farmers should not block trains as it will cause inconvenience to many people. They should find another way to protest.”

Earlier, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed the planned protests, stating that the tractor march would be held outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a large-scale rail blockade in Punjab two days later.

His announcement came after a group of 101 farmers, known as the ‘Jathha,’ was blocked by police while trying to march toward the Shambhu border.

Pandher condemned the actions of the police, accusing them of using excessive force to disperse the protestors.

“The Indian government, the fifth-largest economy in the world, used force against 101 farmers. Chemical water was thrown at us using cannons, bombs were hurled, and tear gas shells were fired. Seventeen farmers have been injured, many of whom are in serious condition, and they are not being given proper treatment in the hospital. We urge the Punjab government to ensure adequate treatment,” Pandher claimed. He called on the Punjab government to ensure adequate medical care for the injured farmers.

Pandher also announced that the farmers would continue their protest with a ‘Rail Roko’ (Rail Blockade) in Punjab on December 18. He urged the people of Punjab, particularly those living near railway tracks, to participate in the blockade by stopping train services from 12 to 3 pm.

Addressing the political climate, Pandher criticised the opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for not effectively representing farmers’ concerns in Parliament. “We appeal to all Punjabis to participate in large numbers,” he added, stressing the importance of the upcoming protests.

Also read: Ancient Shiva Temple Discovered At Sambhal After 46 Years Historically a Pilgrimage Site, Says Advocate

Despite the heavy-handed response from authorities, farmers have remained committed to their demands, which include securing Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees and opposing corporate control over agricultural markets.

Punjab Farmers Accuse CM Bhagwant Mann Aligning With Centre To Supress Protests

December 8, 2024, 7:28 pm

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, of covertly aligning with the central government to suppress farmers’ voices. He questioned the state’s actions in restricting media coverage, despite professing support for farmers and laborers. Pandher demanded explanations from both Chief Minister Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, stating, “We used to say that Bhagwant Mann government is having some sort of alliance with the central government. Today, the way media is being stopped, the CM and Arvind Kejriwal should come forward and explain this.”

These remarks come amid ongoing farmer protests at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, where demonstrators are advocating for various demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers would march towards Delhi at noon, intensifying the protest.

In response to the planned march, Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nanak Singh, issued a memorandum advising media personnel to avoid interfering in farmers’ matters. The memorandum cited a specific incident on December 6, 2024, that violated statutory provisions and urged journalists to maintain a safe distance while performing their duties. SSP Singh clarified, “Media has not been stopped. We have no such intentions. But, it was needed to brief the media. Last time we came to know that three to four media people were injured. To avoid that we briefed the media.”

The farmers’ agitation has been ongoing since February 13, 2024, when their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was halted at the Shambhu border. The protesters have been steadfast in their demands, which include securing legal assurance for MSP and complete loan forgiveness for all farmers.

Also read: Western Disturbance Brings Rain to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana; Cold Wave to Follow: IMD

The situation remains tense as farmers prepare to escalate their protests, seeking urgent dialogue with the central government to address their longstanding issues.

Farmers Vow To Intensify Stir

September 23, 2024, 3:50 am

In a sharp escalation of their ongoing agitation, farmers have announced plans to block railway tracks nationwide on October 3, protesting the government’s failure to address their demands including guaranteed Minimum Support Price and a loan waiver.
This decision was made at a Kisan Mahapanchayat held in Pipli of poll-bound Haryana and jointly led by leaders from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Addressing farmers, SKM (NP) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasised the resolve of the farmers to continue their struggle until their demands are met. “We will not rest until our demands are fulfilled. The farmers of Haryana are wise enough to hold the government accountable for its actions over the past decade,” Pandher said. He announced the plan for a two-hour rail blockade on October 3, stating it would be a nationwide protest.
Pandher also issued a stark warning to political parties, saying they would face the wrath of farmers if they continued to ignore their issues. Recalling the tragic death of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who was killed during the “Dilli Chalo” protest at the Khanauri border on February 21, 2024, Pandher urged the gathering to seek electoral revenge for the atrocities committed against farmers.

“The fight isn’t over. It’s time for farmers to unite and intensify the agitation,” he declared, signaling a continued escalation in the movement.
Another key speaker at the event, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, threw down a public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a debate on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops in Haryana. Kohar accused the BJP-led Haryana government of misleading the farmers with false claims about crop procurement at MSP.
“The government is making tall claims that they are procuring all crops at MSP, but the reality is different,” Kohar said.

“The farmers of Haryana will not be misled by false promises during elections. We will not support any political party, but the voters will remember how the government used force against us before they cast their votes,” he added. Thousands of farmers from Haryana and Punjab, including of women, attended the Mahapanchayat.

Farmer leader Criticizes Punjab govt for not filing FIR

February 23, 2024, 10:08 am

The General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pandher, has criticized the Punjab government for its failure to initiate an FIR regarding the death of a farmer youth at the Khanauri Border during the ongoing protests. Pandher strongly condemned the government’s actions, stating, “The way the Punjab government is insulting the martyrdom of our martyrs is condemnable.” He raised questions about the delay in filing the FIR, despite all demands being accepted during discussions.

In Pandher’s own words, “Talks were being held with the Punjab Government on the death of Shubhkaran Singh. All our demands were accepted, that a case under Section 302 (murder) be filed against those who attacked, that the Punjab Government give the status of ‘martyr’ to Shubhkaran Singh, that discussions on compensation be held with his family, and that a Board will be constituted for his postmortem and its videography will be done. It has been more than 14 hours now but the Punjab Government is not giving any answer.”

Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction, Pandher criticized the handling of the incident and the lack of accountability for the actions of the forces against farmers. He voiced concerns about the government’s stance on the protest, pointing out discrepancies in their statements and actions.

Pandher questioned, “Our Chief Minister is saying that the central government is putting pressure on us, that they will break the government, they will impose 356. Let them, I don’t care, we said that, it is very good.” He also highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s actions, such as barricading and stopping farmers during the langar.

Regarding the inability to perform the last rites of Shubhkaran Singh, Pandher emphasized that talks with the Punjab Government were still ongoing. The farmers’ protest has been temporarily halted for two days following the tragic incident.

In a related development, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait announced a ‘Black Friday’ in honor of the deceased farmer. Union Minister Arjun Munda expressed the Central Government’s commitment to farmer welfare and resolving issues through dialogue. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has also called for inclusive dialogue to address concerns in the agricultural sector. The protests, ongoing since February 13, have seen clashes resulting in injuries to several farmers and police personnel at the Shambhu border near Ambala.

Farmers Suspend ‘Dilli Chalo’ March for Two Days, Criticize Central Government’s Action

February 22, 2024, 10:06 am

The General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pandher, announced the suspension of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest march for two days to assess the situation at the Shambhu border in Haryana. This decision comes after condemning the Central Government’s use of paramilitary forces against protestors and reported injuries to hundreds.

Pandher explained, “After the talks started, the central government ran away from the talks… I did not think that we would be able to succeed. Looking at the entire situation, as the centre has fled.” He further criticized the security forces’ actions, alleging attacks on unarmed farmers and destruction of their vehicles.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response, Pandher urged farmers and people across the country to protest against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government. He emphasized the need for the government to apologize to the unemployed and called for solidarity across India against the government’s actions.

Pandher criticized the Punjab government and opposition parties for their perceived lack of clarity on the farmers’ demands. He accused the central government of attempting to defame the movement and urged a swift resolution to end the ongoing unfortunate situation.

Regarding potential solutions, Pandher reiterated the farmers’ demand for the Prime Minister’s intervention, proposing talks to make the MSP legal guarantee law and address other concerns. He called for an end to the use of force against farmers and laborers and stressed the importance of finding a happy solution to the issue. Pandher urged the Prime Minister to intervene and resolve all the issues, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.

‘We are ready to die in interest of our nation..’ Farmer leaders set to resume ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest

February 21, 2024, 10:22 am

Addressing the media at the Shambhu border, farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal called on the government to remove barricades at the Shambhu border, enabling them to march peacefully to Delhi. They expressed their willingness to make sacrifices for the nation, stating, “We are ready to die in the interest of our nation… if any confrontation happens, those who had put up these barricades will be responsible… those who brought in paramilitary, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets at us, they will be responsible for what is gonna happen today,” as articulated by Sarwan Singh Pandher.

Punjab’s agitating farmer leaders are set to resume their ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest at 11 am on Wednesday, demanding a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops. According to government estimates, around 14,000 individuals, accompanied by 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses, have gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border. Concurrently, the Haryana government has extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa until Wednesday.

Previously, farmer leaders rejected the Centre’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP by government agencies for a five-year period, asserting that it was not in the farmers’ interest.

The protestors, numbering in the thousands, initiated their march to Delhi on February 13 but encountered a halt at the Haryana border, leading to confrontations with security personnel. Since then, the farmers have maintained a presence at the Shambhu and Khanauri points between Punjab and Haryana.

Organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the “Delhi Chalo” march is aimed at compelling the BJP-led Centre to fulfill their demands, including a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and the waiver of farm loans.

Despite the government’s proposal to purchase moong dal, urad dal, tur dal, maize, and cotton at the MSP for the next five years, the protesting farmer leaders have officially turned down the offer. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), asserted that it did not align with the farmers’ interests.

Four rounds of discussions between the farmers and Union ministers on February 8, 12, 15, and 18 have yielded no conclusive results. At the Shambhu border point, farmers have brought excavators to navigate the barricades established by Haryana security personnel, with some carrying masks for protection.

Stringent security measures are in effect, and the Haryana Police has urged their counterparts in Punjab to seize bulldozers and earthmoving equipment, citing a potential threat to security forces. In light of the ongoing agitation, the Haryana government extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk text-message services in seven districts until Wednesday.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar underscored the commitment to a peaceful march towards Delhi from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, emphasizing their intent to remain non-violent. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called for a daylong Parliament session to enact legislation on the MSP for crops, outlining three key demands – a legal guarantee on MSP, implementation of the “C2 plus 50 per cent” formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, and farm loan waiver. The farmers are also advocating for pension provisions, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in 2021, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during a previous agitation in 2020-21.

‘Delhi Chalo’ Farmers schedule for February 21; farmer leader Sarwan Singh criticizes Centre

February 20, 2024, 10:08 am

In anticipation of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers scheduled for February 21, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the Centre, claiming that the government is preventing farmers from entering Delhi and insisting that they should be allowed to proceed with their march on Wednesday. Pandher expressed concern over the government’s apparent resistance to farmers entering Delhi and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through discussions. He stated, “The intention of the govt was very clear that they would not let us enter Delhi at any cost.” Pandher also highlighted alleged instances of force, stating, “When we moved towards Delhi, shelling happened… Bullets were also used on the tyres of the tractors.”

Rejecting the Centre’s proposal to purchase crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal declared that the proposal had nothing substantial for the farmers. He argued that the government’s offer lacked sufficient benefits for farmers and criticized the absence of a legal guarantee for MSP. Dallewal expressed the farmers’ position, saying, “If the government is not giving legal guarantee of MSP, it means that the farmers of the country will continue to be looted. This is not acceptable.”

After the fourth round of talks, General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Sarvan Singh Pandher affirmed that the farmers would proceed with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 21. The farmers also discussed the government’s proposal on MSP during the talks. Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni emphasized the inclusion of oil seeds and Bajra under the MSP, warning of Haryana’s participation in the agitation if the government does not agree by February 21.

In summary, despite several rounds of talks, the farmers remain steadfast in their demand for legal guarantees for MSP and loan waivers, and the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is set to continue on February 21.

Pandher accuses the police of using military like ammunition

February 15, 2024, 1:22 pm

Sarwan Singh Pandher, the General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, accused police on Thursday of employing military weapons against agitating farmers.
Pandher, who was giving a news conference, revealed some ammunition that looked like smoke shells and rubber bullets, but he said they were exclusively used by the military.

“We are showing something which is used by the military only, one is tear gas, another is smoke shell air burst, and smoke shell ground burst. After hitting the target it bursts and causes injuries, this is only used by the military and not by the police. High explosive ammunition is being used. Ammunition that is expired is being used so that when records are checked it will not come in it. SLR bullets are being fired, that too of private purchase” Pandher alleged.
“In the entire nation arrests are being made farmers are not getting allowed to come out of their houses” Pandher added.

Pandher requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold meetings with farmers and find a peaceful solution to their concerns.

“”We have said it earlier also. It is not a question of going ahead, we are not saying that we will break your barricade, there are two things, today there is a meeting with the Union Ministers, and we would like the Prime Minister himself to talk to them and these demands should be resolved today. This will be pleasant for everyone,” Pandher said while addressing a press conference at Shambu Border.

“Secondly, as this is a democratic country, we should be allowed to carry out our movement peacefully in Delhi, this path should be opened by the government itself and the agenda will be the same as we have. We are farmers and not your enemy consider us as your citizens and initiate talks with us,” he added.

A meeting between farmer unions and the central government has been set for today at 5 p.m. Three Union ministers, Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai, will go to Chandigarh later this evening for the meeting.

“We want PM Modi to have talks” says farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher ahead of meeting with Centre today

February 15, 2024, 11:28 am

The General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pandher, called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in dialogue with farmers and address their grievances. Speaking at a press conference at Shambu Border, Pandher emphasized the need for immediate resolution, stating, “We have said it earlier also. It is not a question of going ahead, we are not saying that we will break your barricade, there are two things, today there is a meeting with the Union Ministers, and we would like the Prime Minister himself to talk to them and these demands should be resolved today. This will be pleasant for everyone.”

He further stressed the importance of peaceful protest in a democratic country, stating, “Secondly, as this is a democratic country, we should be allowed to carry out our movement peacefully in Delhi, this path should be opened by the government itself and the agenda will be the same as we have.”

Highlighting concerns over the handling of protests, Pandher criticized the use of heavy security measures, including para-military forces, and emphasized the unprecedented use of force against farmers. He urged the government to reconsider its approach, stating, “This is the first time that any government of the country has used paramilitary forces against the farmer labour movement, I would like to tell. Tear gas is commonly used, but look at the other ways, smoke cell air bursts are also being utilized, smoke cell ground bursts are also being used and heavy explosion emissions are also being utilized.”

Pandher expressed solidarity with farmers from various states and emphasized the unity of the movement. He dismissed allegations of political affiliations, stating, “We are the farmers and labourers of the country,” and urged all farmers to demand the implementation of MSP guarantee.

The farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, including guaranteed MSP for all crops, debt waiver, pension schemes, and scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. They also seek justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri killings and compensation for families of deceased farmers.

Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee : ‘We tried our best To Avoid Confrontation with the government’

February 13, 2024, 11:18 am

Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated on Tuesday that every attempt was made during the meeting to find a solution to avoid a confrontation with the government and that they expected a positive outcome.

“We want to present our views before the whole of India that we tried our best in yesterday’s meeting to take some kind of decision so that we can avoid confrontation with the government and we get something that we had hoped for. We can only hope and trust. After doing this, we sat in the meeting for 5 hours,” Pandher said while addressing media in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib.

He accused the police of harassing people in Haryana and Punjab areas, citing concern about the situation in these states.

“We presented the position of Haryana before them that you have turned Haryana into the valley of Kashmir, you are sending police to every village in Haryana. You have sent water cannons to every village of Haryana. Farmers and relatives of every village of Haryana are being harassed,” he said.

“It is being said that your son is doing MBBS, they will not let him do it, the kind of degree your son should get. If your brother is working at home, we will fire him from his job and cancel your passport. Then other types of harassment are also more and more, whatever kind we say, it is more and more. See it seems that Punjab and Haryana are not two states from India but an international border, by what we are seeing now,” Pandher asserted.

The farmer leader dismissed the Congress party’s claims of support for farmers and laborers, saying that the latter is just as responsible for the farmers’ suffering as the ruling BJP.

“We are the farmers and labourers of the country, whatever is being said in the media, no Congress supports us, we consider Congress as guilty as BJP is guilty. These policies have been brought by Congress, We are not left, CPI, and CPM who ruled Bengal, made 20 mistakes, what kind of revolution came from there in West Bengal, we are not on anyone’s side, we are farmers and labourers,” Pandher said.
“Those who are going to raise their voice are their men, and then we will appeal to our people, whether they are singers of Punjab or the country or intellectuals, NRI brothers, whether it is another civil society that also includes journalists,” he said.
“This is not just our issue, or question, that is definitely in this big movement, it is not just us, this is the demand of 140 crore countrymen,” Pandher added.

The farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, for which they are marching to Delhi.
The protest was organized by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, which is led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.
According to the protesting farmers, the centre guaranteed them higher crop prices after which they terminated their 2021 protest.

They want to pass legislation ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as suggested by the Swaminathan Commission report.
They also want a comprehensive debt waiver and a system to pay pensions to farmers and farm workers.
Farmers have also advocated the repeal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which requires farmer approval and compensation equal to four times the collector rate.

They also demand that those responsible for the Lakhimpur Kheri massacres be punished.
Farmers have also made an appeal to offer 200 days of employment per year and a daily pay of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), which is linked to farming.
In addition, a demand has been made for compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021, as well as a job for any family member.
Meanwhile, to maintain law and order, Delhi police have already implemented Section 144, which restricts the entry of tractor trolleys and huge gatherings.

Images from Delhi’s Gazipur border, Shambhu border, and Tikri border show barricades and barbed wires constructed on highways that prevent entry.
To prevent protesting farmers from approaching the national capital, multi-layered barricades have been constructed around these boundaries.
According to the police, a strong force of around 2000 people, including CAPF, Crime Branch personnel, and battalions, is maintaining watch to ensure law and order and resolve any unpleasant situations.

Delhi Police has urged residents to cooperate and support to law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order in the city.