Pandher Questions How 101 Farmers on Foot Threaten National Harmony
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Chandigarh, Dec 14 (NationPress) Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday questioned the government's stance, asking how a group of 101 farmers walking on foot towards Delhi could be regarded as a threat to national peace and order. Reflecting on the decision of Bajrang Punia, the Working President of the All India Kisan Congress and renowned wrestler, to join the farmers, he indicated that they have no objection to a sportsperson or celebrity participating in the protest, but they wish to keep political parties at bay.
Ahead of the 'Delhi Chalo' foot march, Pandher likened the ongoing farmers' protest to the discussions held in Parliament regarding the Constitution.
"Only 101 farmers will set off for Delhi today at 12:00 P.M. Every movement has its purpose. Despite the government's interventions and military barriers, our voices have reached 140 crore citizens. The messages from Shambhu and Khanauri are echoing throughout the nation, and the Prime Minister must acknowledge this voice," Pandher informed IANS.
He further questioned, "While Parliament deliberates over the Constitution, do Shambhu and Khanauri adhere to a different Constitution? How can 101 individuals marching peacefully, pose a threat to peace and order?"
Pandher also raised concerns about the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days at the Khanauri border.
"His condition is critical. The entire nation is worried, yet the Prime Minister appears indifferent," he remarked.
Commenting on the involvement of wrestler Bajrang Punia with the farmers, Pandher reiterated their welcome for sports figures or celebrities joining the protest, but emphasized their desire to exclude political parties.
He also expressed hope to persuade farmers from other organizations, who have not yet joined the movement, to participate.
The farmers are resuming their march to demand the resolution of their longstanding issues, which include a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and loan waivers.
Since February 13, the farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, following the government's attempts to obstruct their previous efforts to reach Delhi. The protest is organized under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Earlier, Pandher announced the decision to march towards Delhi, stressing the symbolic significance of their struggle. Farmers had prayed at Sikh shrines to show solidarity and seek blessings for the success of their movement.
In response, security measures along the interstate border at the Ghaggar rivulet have been heightened, with central paramilitary forces and Haryana police deployed. Temporary barricades, heavily guarded by police and paramilitary personnel, have been erected to prevent farmers from progressing.
During previous attempts to march, confrontations with security forces led to the use of teargas shells to disperse the farmers. The protestors paused their march on December 8 after several sustained injuries.
Despite these challenges, the farmers remain resolute in their demands for legal reforms to enhance the agricultural sector. The Haryana Police had previously invoked prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to justify their measures against the protestors.
The farmers' march aims to highlight their grievances and ensure their concerns are heard in Parliament.
