Farmers who have been staging protests at the Punjab-Haryana borders for over nine months are set to resume their march to Delhi on Friday, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and addressing other long-standing issues. The protest, organized under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, will begin at 1 PM from the Shambhu border, where the farmers have been stationed since February 13.
Renewed Push for Demands
The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 protests, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They are also seeking the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and a halt to proposed electricity tariff hikes.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and revealed that farmers would march on foot rather than using tractors, a response to accusations of modified tractors during previous demonstrations. “We want the government to let us exercise our democratic right to protest,” Pandher said, adding that the movement has garnered support from khap panchayats and local business communities.
Security Tightened Along the Borders
In anticipation of the protest, authorities have ramped up security at the Punjab-Haryana borders. Heavy barricades have been erected, paramilitary forces deployed, and water cannons prepared. Drones are also being used for surveillance. Ambala Superintendent of Police (SP) Surendra Bhoria stated that all necessary security measures were in place to maintain law and order. “If the farmers want to go to Delhi, they should first get permission from Delhi Police,” he said.
The Ambala administration has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of BNSS, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people. Notices have been issued at the Shambhu border protest site, urging farmers to reconsider their march without prior approval from Delhi Police.
Stalled Dialogue and Growing Frustration
Farmers have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in discussions with the central government. According to Pandher, while four rounds of talks took place in February, communication ceased after February 18. The planned march is seen as a renewed attempt to press for dialogue and action.
Traffic disruptions are anticipated in Delhi-NCR as security checks and barricades are expected to slow down commuting routes. Earlier this week, a similar protest by farmers from Uttar Pradesh caused significant delays for thousands of commuters.
A Call for Peaceful Protests
Despite concerns raised by authorities about potential disruptions, Pandher reiterated that the protest would be peaceful. “The district administration has accused us of carrying weapons, but we will march peacefully,” he said, urging the government to allow the demonstration to proceed without interference.
As the march begins, all eyes will be on the borders, where thousands of farmers continue to fight for what they see as their fundamental rights and dignity.
