Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmers unhappy with both INDIA bloc and BJP, says Sarwan Singh Pandher

Haryana khap leaders have issued a statement in response to the ongoing farmers’ movement, indicating readiness to join the protest march towards Delhi, but only if certain conditions are met. Khap leaders said farmers from Haryana will participate in the movement at the call of their counterparts from Punjab, but they made it clear that the joint front, commonly known as Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), must first unify. The statement from the leaders of Kandela and Khera Khaps stated that as long as the united morcha is divided, the movement can’t gain momentum. They said factionalism in Punjab farmer groups is hindering the progress of the joint front.

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction to immediately clear the blockage of National as well as state Highways in Punjab, which it said are “encroached and blocked illegally by alleged farmers and farmer unions” at various locations in the state.

The PIL seeks direction from the states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union of India to remove restrictions on farmers’ protests and also to ensure that all National Highways and railway tracks are not blocked by the agitating farmers.

The PIL seeking directions that the states and the Union should ensure smooth passage for the general public to be heard by the Supreme Court on December 9 small news story.

Farmers on Sunday have decided not to proceed with the 'jatha' on Monday, stating that the future course of action will be determined in a joint meeting scheduled for the same day.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Sunday slammed the BJP-led government at the Centre for not fulfilling the promises made to farmers.
She said that the farmers had to continually struggle for what is rightfully theirs under the rule of a government that talks about doubling farmers' income.

"What is happening with the farmers is extremely unfortunate, considering that they have been protesting for a minimum guarantee for MSP support. It is still being denied to them despite the commitment made by the government of India," Priyanka Chaturvedi told ANI.

"This is the government which spoke about doubling farmers' income and yet today farmers find themselves in a situation where they have to continually struggle for what is rightfully theirs," she added.

Chaturvedi's statement comes against the backdrop of farmers at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana on Sunday trying to march towards Delhi, pressing various demands including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price.

Police and protesting farmers got into a verbal altercation and drone footage showed police blocking the farmers at the border. The police also used teargas against the farmers.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that they have decided to withdraw the 'jatha'.

"Today we have decided to withdraw the 'jatha'. The agitation will continue today. One farmer has been admitted to PGI and is in serious condition and 8-9 farmers are injured, so we have withdrawn the 'jatha'. After the meeting, we will tell you about the future program," Pandher told ANI.

According to Haryana Police, the group of farmers moving ahead did not match the list of 101 farmers they were given who were scheduled to participate in today's march.

"We will first identify them (farmers) and then we can allow them to go ahead. We have a list of the names of 101 farmers, and they are not those people - they are not letting us identify them - they are moving ahead as a mob," said a Haryana police official deployed at the site earlier.

Police said that the farmers did not have permission to move towards Delhi.

The farmers had attempted to cross the Shambhu border on Friday as well but called off the stir after some of them got injured from the tear gas shells used by the Haryana police to disperse them.

Congress leader Hanumanth Rao has expressed concern over the government's handling of the farmers' protest.
Two days ago police used tear gas to stop farmers from proceeding towards Delhi at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab. The Congress leader Rao criticized police action terming it as "unfortunate."

"The farmers' protest has entered its 300th day of an indefinite hunger strike, but the government is not taking it seriously. The police have obstructed their protest with tear gas and have also stopped their rally to Delhi. How long can we tolerate this injustice towards farmers? The central government must urgently engage in discussions with the farmers regarding their issues. There seems to be a lack of communication from the government's side," he told ANI on Saturday.

"Yesterday, the use of tear gas and the prevention of the Delhi rally was unfortunate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Agriculture Minister need to call the farmers and discuss their concerns directly. The farmers are asking for a minimum support price for their crops, which has not been addressed adequately. The farmers' issues are genuine, and the government needs to resolve them; otherwise, farmers will continue to suffer. Despite everyone's acknowledgment of farmers' struggles, these issues have been pending for years, which is causing significant anger among them," he said.

He emphasized the need for direct dialogue between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Agriculture Minister, and the farmers to address their concerns.

"How long must they wait? The government of India must engage with the farmers immediately. If the issues are not addressed, the hunger strike will continue, leading to further unrest and suffering among the people. As a senior Congress leader, I urge Prime Minister Modi and the Agriculture Minister to meet with the farmers and work towards a solution," he said.

Meanwhile, the farmer protest group have announced the resumption of 'Delhi Chalo' march today. Due to security concerns, Delhi police have set up barricades and installed nails at the Shambhu Border.

The farmers have been protesting over various demands, which includes a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), a farm debt waiver, pension for farmers and no hike in electricity tariff.

Protesting farmers on Sunday afternoon suspended their foot march to Delhi for the day after some of them suffered injuries in tear gas shelling by Haryana security personnel here along the state's border with Punjab. Farmer leader from Punjab Sarwan Singh Pandher said at least eight farmers were injured and one of them was rushed to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.
"We have called back the 'jatha' (group of 101 farmers)," he told reporters here.

Pandher said the farmers would decide their next course of action after a meeting of their forums -- the Samyuka Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

The 'jatha' resumed its foot march from the farmers' Shambhu protest site earlier in the afternoon but was soon halted by multilayered barricading erected by Haryana security personnel.

Tear gas shells were lobbed at the protesting farmers and water jets were used as well to disperse them after they reached the barricades.

The Ambala police had earlier said the farmers' outfits may march to Delhi only after getting permission from the national capital administration.

The group, dubbed as 'marjeevras' (someone willing to die for a cause), was marching for a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price before being stopped only a few metres away.

Amid the ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' march, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the withdrawal of the 'jatha' at the Shambhu border.

"Today we have decided to withdraw the 'jatha'. The agitation will continue today. One farmer has been admitted to PGI in serious condition, and 8-9 others are injured," Pandher said. He added that the future course of action will be decided after a meeting later in the day.

​​Farmers participating in the 'Delhi Chalo' march temporarily suspended their protest after several of them sustained injuries due to tear gas shelling at Shambhu, near the Punjab-Haryana border.

The incident occurred during a confrontation with police, leading to heightened tensions in the area. Farmer leaders stated that the decision to pause the march was taken to ensure the injured received proper medical attention.

At the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, DSP Shahabad Ramkumar stated, "Our team has been stationed here since morning with clear instructions to verify the identity and permission of farmers before allowing them to proceed. However, they refused to comply. We urge them to maintain peace and only move forward with proper permission."

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, commenting on the ongoing farmer protests, alleged that the march was a "political pretense" rather than a genuine movement for farmers' issues. "The State Minister has said there is no need to march. Their 5 representatives should come and talk to the government. The government is ready to talk," Manjhistated.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply concerned about farmers' welfare, emphasising the government's commitment to resolving their grievances. Namjhi claimed that the protest was being used for political gains, diverting from its stated purpose.

At the Shambhu border, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated, "Our group of 101 farmers and laborers has arrived, and we have already shared the list. If the police insist on verifying IDs before letting us proceed, they should inform us, and we will cooperate. We have maintained discipline and will continue to do so. However, they are using more tear gas today, with the wind blowing it toward us. We are prepared for any sacrifice. The solution lies with the Prime Minister—he must address our issues or let us march to Delhi."

A farmer protesting at the Shambhu border stated, "The police have the wrong list—it doesn't include the names of the farmers arriving here. We've requested them to allow us to proceed, and we will show our identity cards. However, the police claim we don't have permission to move forward, so why should we prove our identity? We're trying to resolve this through dialogue, but we will move ahead regardless. I even told them to go to Haryana, as this is the land of Punjab."

A Haryana police official stationed at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border stated, "We will first verify their identities before allowing them to proceed. We have a list of 101 farmers, but the individuals in question are not on that list. They are refusing to cooperate with our identification process and are advancing as a group."

Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli stated that the state is not obstructing farmers from reaching New Delhi.

"They are free to use roadways or railways for their journey. However, the method they have adopted is inappropriate. The real issue here is the disruption of traffic movement on the national highway," he remarked.

Commenting on the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, national chairman of unorganised workers and Congress leader Dr. Udit Raj called it a powerful example of keeping democracy alive. "Their demands are legitimate, yet it’s shocking how the Prime Minister, of all people, can resort to falsehoods. Farmers have been stopped at the Shambhu border, which is undemocratic and against their rights," he remarked.

Dr. Raj further emphasized the need for farmers to broaden their movement. "This government has seen protests erupt right after its formation—a rare occurrence. Currently, the farmer community remains small, and even a loss of votes may not impact them. Farmers must unite with Dalits and other marginalized groups to strengthen their cause," he added.

At the Shambhu border, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the Punjab government, alleging a covert alliance with the central government. He stated, "The actions of the Bhagwant Mann-led government indicate some form of collaboration with the Centre. Today, media is being obstructed, and both CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal must address this issue. While AAP claims to support farmers and laborers, their actions suggest otherwise. The Punjab government is attempting to conceal the central government's actions, exposing their true stance. Previously, our opposition was directed only at the Centre, but now we must confront the state government as well."

Authorities have reinforced security measures at the Shambhu Border, setting up barricades and embedding nails on the road, as farmers gear up to restart their 'Dilli Chalo' march today.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that a 'Jattha' comprising 101 farmers will commence their march towards Delhi today at 12 noon.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated, "The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) protests have now reached their 300th day, yet the central government remains unyielding. Additionally, we have announced our intent to oppose the entry of BJP leaders into Punjab. While unconfirmed, there are reports that Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari might visit Amritsar. We urge Punjab's farmers to stand against their entry into the state."

Security forces deployed tear gas shells on Friday to disperse protesters participating in the farmers' 'Dilli Chalo' march. The demonstrators were pressing for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops from the central government.

Punjab's social Jjustice minister, Baljit Kaur, on Saturday criticized the Union Government for the ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' farmers' protest, asserting that the farmers' demands are directed at the Centre, not the state.