The ongoing farmer protests at Shambhu and Khanauri borders in Punjab and Haryana are set to mark their one-year anniversary on February 13. As the protest enters a critical phase, farmers are mobilizing to ensure the success of the upcoming Mahapanchayats from February 11 to 13—considered to be a vital show of strength, ahead of the crucial meeting with the Central Government on February 14 in Chandigarh.
Undeterred, a prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued his hunger strike in solidarity with the farmers’ demands. As he entered the 72nd day of his fast, Dallewal shared a 2.19-minute video message urging the farmers across India to join the Mahapanchayats and intensify their fight for Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees. His emotional appeal is meant to galvanize farmers to participate in the February 12 Mahapanchayat at Khanauri, where thousands are expected to gather. Dallewal, who is continuing his hunger strike at Khanauri, expressed that the unity and strength of the farmers’ voices would push the Central Government to seriously address their demands.
Dallewal, in his video message, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Haryana farmers, who had previously brought “holy water” from their tube wells to the protest site. This gesture was seen as a powerful symbol of solidarity, with farmers offering not just water but their unwavering support for the movement. On February 6, 8, and 10, larger groups of farmers from 50 villages in Haryana are expected to bring more water to the Khanauri protest site, further intensifying the momentum.
The farmer leader, in his message, also emphasized that the February 12 Mahapanchayat at Khanauri would be crucial in strengthening the protest, urging a large turnout to send a clear message to the government. “Your participation will energize us, and with your strength, we will go to the February 14 meeting and fight for our rights,” Dallewal said.
In addition to the February 12 event at Khanauri, the Ratanpura Mahapanchayat on February 11 in Rajasthan will also be an important gathering, with farmers from Rajasthan conducting widespread outreach to ensure maximum participation.
Farmer Leaders Discuss Strategy Ahead of Feb 14 Meeting
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convener Sarwan Singh Pandher on Wednesday confirmed that he and Dallewal would attend the February 14 meeting with the Central Government in Chandigarh. The farmer delegation, which will include representatives from various states, is expected to present their case for MSP guarantees and other urgent issues facing the agricultural community.
Pandher also acknowledged the 2025 Union Budget, which, according to many farmers, ignored their concerns, signaling that the government may not be taking their demands seriously. Despite this, the farmers remain resolute, and the farm unions plan to present their case firmly. “We will go with full strength and demand that the government listen to us,” said Pandher.
Meanwhile, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a pan-India umbrella organization of farmers, is preparing for future struggles, particularly in light of the Central Government’s draft agricultural marketing policy. Farmers across India will present memorandums to Members of Parliament (MPs) on February 9, demanding their concerns be addressed.
Furthermore, SKM has announced an important meeting in Chandigarh on February 15, where the future course of the farmers' struggle will be strategized.