Punjab farmers, steadfast in their pursuit of justice, have resolved to rekindle their march to Delhi on December 14, sending a group of 101 farmers, named as “Marjeevda Jatha” (meaning martyrs’ brigade). The decision was taken on Tuesday during a meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) at the Shambhu border, after receiving “no message” from the Central Government for holding talks.
The efforts, to breathe new life into the farmers’ protests against unaddressed grievances, comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions and solidarity actions. December 11 has been declared as ‘Ardas Divas’, with prayers to be held at religious sites across Punjab for the well-being of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been observing fast since November 26; and the success of the movement.
At the same time, the farmers have urged Punjabi singers, religious preachers, and community leaders to amplify the cause during public gatherings and programs.
Dallewal’s health has become a pressing concern as his hunger strike enters its 15th day. Dallewal, who has been fasting at the Khanauri border, is now experiencing critical health complications, including an 11 kg weight loss and strain on his liver and kidneys. His fluctuating blood sugar levels and declining stamina have prompted doctors to warn of an impending medical emergency. Despite this, Dallewal remains resolute, terming the protest an “all-or-nothing” battle for farmers’ rights.
In solidarity with Dallewal, no meals were cooked at the Khanauri border on Tuesday. Farmers joined him in observing a hunger strike, reinforcing their collective resolve.
The December 14 march follows two thwarted attempts to reach Delhi earlier this month. On December 6 and 8, the farmers faced strong resistance from Haryana security forces, who deployed tear gas, water cannons, and barricades. Farmers sustained injuries, leaving half a dozen seriously injured, yet their determination remains unshaken.
KMM’s head Sarwan Singh Pandher, a key leader of the ongoing movement, criticized the Central Government for its lack of engagement, calling it “confused” in its approach. Pandher lamented the absence of meaningful dialogue, despite the farmers demonstrating their willingness to negotiate.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak a word during his visit to Haryana,” said Pandher, while seeking all out support from all quarters for Kisan Andolan 2.0.
“We did not want farmers to be blamed for not wanting to hold talks to find a way out. We gave time...but there has been no message from the government side for talks...Now, the decision taken by both the forums is that our next jatha of 101 farmers will leave on December 14 for Delhi,” he said.
Farmers have appealed to the public to join the struggle by participating in events on December 13, marking 10 months of protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. In a symbolic gesture, farmers undertook a cleanup drive at the Shambhu border, clearing debris from the clashes, including remnants of tear gas shells. Pandher highlighted the lingering effects of the tear gas used by security forces.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has also voiced support, urging the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open channels for dialogue and address the farmers’ demands, including legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSP), debt waivers, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. “The government should engage in talks with farmers immediately, considering the deteriorating condition of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal,” he said, in Patiala.
Farmers have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Besides a legal guarantee to MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases, and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.