Farmer Protest Live Updates: Farmer leader announces 'tractor march' and 'Rail Roko' on Dec 16-18 in Punjab

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher declared plans for a tractor march outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a 'Rail Roko' protest in the state on December 18. The announcement followed the temporary withdrawal of a 'Jathha' of 101 farmers, who were stopped by police at the Shambhu border earlier in the day due to security concerns.

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast unto death entered the 19th day on Saturday, said the lives of those farmers, who are committing suicide because of the alleged wrong policies of governments, is more valuable than his. His remark came a day after the Supreme Court directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet him, provide him with medical help and persuade him to break his indefinite fast saying his life was precious.

Seventy-year-old Dallewal, a cancer patient, has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops.

The doctors have already recommended his hospitalization, saying he has turned weak because of the prolonged fast.

During his brief address to the media at Khanauri, Dallewal thanked the apex court for expressing concern over his health.

"The honourable Supreme Court says that my life is more valuable than the agitation. But I believe that the lives of those farmers, who are committing suicide due to the wrong policies of the government are more valuable than my life," said Dallewal.

Farmer leader Manjit Singh Rai claimed that rubber bullets were used by security personnel, resulting in one farmer sustaining serious injuries. Sarwan Singh Pandher alleged that water cannons deployed against the protesters contained chemically mixed water. However, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ambala Cantt, Rajat Gulia, dismissed these claims, stating that "only plain water was used."

Protesting farmers reported that those injured by tear gas shelling were transported to a nearby hospital in ambulances stationed at the site.

Before the police action, officials, including Gupta and Bhoria, held discussions with some farmers for over 30 minutes, urging them to seek permission from Delhi authorities to proceed toward the national capital. They also encouraged the protesters to engage with the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee.

Protesting farmers suspended their foot march to Delhi after some of them were injured on Saturday in teargas shelling and use of water cannons by Haryana security personnel, who foiled the agitators' third attempt in less than 10 days to cross the Punjab-Haryana border.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher claimed that 17 farmers were injured in the action by the Haryana security personnel. "The two forums (of farmers' unions) have decided to call back our 'jatha' (group)," Pandher said.

"How are 101 farmers a danger to the law and order and peace of the country? You are debating the Constitution (in Parliament). Which Constitution allows the use of force against farmers," he asked.

No discussion is taking place on the issue of farmers in Parliament, Pandher stated.

The Ambala police in Punjab rejected allegations of using chemical-laced water to disperse protesting farmers at the Shambhu border, asserting that only plain water was used.

In response to the claims, Surendra Singh Bhoria, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ambala, said, "When this Jatha arrived, we held discussions for nearly fifteen minutes and reasoned with them in front of the media. During the talks, some miscreants attempted to breach the barricades. Only plain water was used to disperse the crowd. These allegations of chemical-laced water are false and are meant to mislead."

"I want to assure you that only 100 per cent plain water was used to disperse the crowd," the SP emphasized.

Pandher criticized the opposition for not adequately addressing farmers' concerns during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. He specifically called out Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for failing to fulfill his promises to farmers.

"The opposition should not shirk its responsibility by merely issuing statements. They should highlight our agenda and stall Parliament on our issues just as they do for other matters. Rahul Gandhi is not raising our concerns in Parliament as he assured us he would," Pandher said.

Earlier in the day, security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of farmers marching towards Delhi ('Delhi Kooch') from the Shambhu border. Despite police barricades and heavy security, the farmers remained steadfast in their protest.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced plans for a tractor march outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a 'Rail Roko' protest in Punjab on December 18. The announcement came just hours after a group of 101 farmers, who had been blocked by police at the Shambhu border due to security concerns, decided to withdraw for the day.

Pandher claimed that 17 farmers were injured when police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters at the border. He also alleged that several farmers are in serious condition and accused the authorities of failing to provide proper treatment at the hospital.

Pandher said, "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."

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini criticized the Congress and opposition parties over the issue of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. In response to Congress's claim of supporting farmers and promising MSP, Saini pointed out that Congress-led governments in Himachal Pradesh and Telangana had failed to purchase crops at MSP.

In the last 10 years, we have bought crops on MSP. The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana cannot say that they will buy crops on 100 per cent MSP. People have understood their reality. In a month, AAP will also start talking about the EVMs. People have rejected them," Saini said.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, while addressing the public, expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its concern for his well-being. However, he emphasized that the lives of all farmers are far more significant. He urged authorities to reflect on the tragic loss of around seven lakh farmers who have died by suicide in recent years. Highlighting the profound impact on their families, Dallewal stated that these suicides could have been prevented through the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report and the provision of debt waivers.

Congress leader and wrestler Bajrang Punia stated, "Government is saying that roads are open and farmers can come. 101 farmers were going, but they got injured. This is double standard of the government. On one hand, it is being said that roads are open, while on the other, tear-gas is being used," on the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest.

Ambala SP states, "If you want to go to Delhi, you should take proper permission and once you get the permission, we will allow you to go. There was a hearing in the Supreme Court yesterday. Instructions have been given to hold a meeting. The next date of the meeting is December 18. We appeal to you to sit here peacefully and follow the rules."

Congress leader Surendra Rajput criticized the Modi government, saying, "The Modi government is continuously resorting to lathi-charge, tear gas and trying to stop them. However, farmers, on the other side, are trying to reach Delhi. Is Delhi only for industrialists and Adani?"

Haryana minister Anil Vij stated, “The Supreme Court is currently hearing the case and has requested some time. The court has suggested that farmers temporarily halt their protest, and I believe they should heed the court’s advice.”

Haryana government in its late night order on Friday, suspended the mobile internet services, bulk SMS and all dongle services in the area of villages Dangdehri, Lohgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar (Hira Nagar, Naresh Vihar), Saddopur, Sultanpur and Kakru, as protesting farmers would resume their Delhi Kooch (foot march) today.

A group of 101 farmers, under the banners of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha Non-Political (SKM NP) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), is set to begin their third foot march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border.

In their previous two attempts, the protesting farmers were unable to get past the heavy barricades set up by the Haryana Police at the Ghaggar River Bridge on National Highway 44, as they lacked the required permission to enter Delhi.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated, "The farmers' protest has now reached its 307th day. By noon today, our third batch of 101 farmers will set out for Delhi. The entire nation stands with us, offering unwavering support for the cause. However, our Prime Minister has remained silent and distanced himself from addressing this critical issue."

"I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their immense love and support. I’m grateful to my fans. I’m doing well, so there’s no need to worry. As a law-abiding citizen, I respect the law and will cooperate fully. I offer my condolences to the family; it’s truly unfortunate that a person lost their life after we went to watch a movie. This incident was completely beyond my control. For the past 20 years, I’ve attended film screenings without issue. I will continue to support the family in every possible way. Though no action can undo the loss, I’ll do what I can. Once again, thank you all for your support," said Tollywood actor Allu Arjun as he returned home to Hyderabad after being released from jail.

Tollywood actor Allu Arjun was released from Chanchalguda Jail in Hyderabad this morning and went directly to the Geetha Arts gallery.

The Telangana High Court granted interim bail to actor Allu Arjun until January 21, with a bond of Rs 50,000. This decision followed a local court's order remanding him to 14 days of judicial custody. Justice J. Sridevi stated that it was “unfair” to hold the actor accountable for the stampede, as the film's distributors had informed the police about his presence at the premiere.

The Telangana High Court granted the actor interim bail for four weeks, just minutes after he was sent to Chanchalguda Central Jail. Earlier, a local court had ordered 14 days of judicial custody before the High Court's relief intervened.

The city and surrounding suburbs are likely to experience light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in certain areas on Saturday. Skies are expected to remain partly cloudy, with maximum temperatures ranging between 30°C and 31°C, and minimum temperatures between 24°C and 25°C.

Internet services have been suspended in parts of Ambala, Haryana, starting from 6.00am on 14th December until 11.59pm on 17th December. The move comes in anticipation of the farmers’ march towards Delhi, aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing potential disruptions.