Farmers set for 4th push to reach Delhi from Shambhu border on January 21

On January 21, a group of 101 farmers will make a fourth attempt to reach Delhi, crossing the Shambhu border. Their goal is to press for a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. This comes after three failed attempts in December 2023 to march on foot to Delhi, thwarted by Haryana Police and paramilitary forces using tear gas, water cannons, and pepper sprays. These attempts left nearly 50 farmers injured.

The new march, called “Delhi Chalo,” will be led by farmer leaders Manjit Singh Rai and Balwant Singh Behramke. Unlike the previous attempts, this march is organized jointly by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), both non-political groups.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener of KMM, expressed frustration with the government. “I don’t think the Union government is willing to talk to us,” he said. “We will march with 101 farmers, ready to sacrifice our lives. It is up to the government to either fulfill our demands or kill us.” Pandher urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow peacefully protesting farmers to reach Delhi and continue their demand for a legal MSP guarantee.

This new attempt comes just a day after 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal has been on hunger strike since November 26, 2023, and his health has been rapidly deteriorating. Farmers have raised concerns about the risk of “multiple organ failure” due to Dallewal’s prolonged fasting.

Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024, after the government blocked their march to Delhi to demand MSP guarantees. Despite their peaceful protests, they have faced harsh responses from security forces.

To prevent further protests, Haryana Police has increased security around the Khanauri border. The state has also enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which bans gatherings of five or more people.

Farmers remain determined, saying they will not stop until their demands are met. Pandher emphasized the importance of a legal guarantee for MSP, stating, “We are marching peacefully. The government must allow us to continue our fight for justice.” The struggle continues, as the farmers await the government’s response to their long-standing demands.