Key Points:
- Massive Participation: Around 90,000 farmers joined the mahapanchayat called by fasting leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Haryana-Punjab border.
- Protest Highlights: Roads jammed for 7 km on the Punjab side; heavy police presence in Haryana restricted farmer movement.
- Emotional Address: Dallewal, on the 40th day of his fast, addressed farmers from a stretcher, emphasizing divine will and collective resolve.
- Farmer Suicide Crisis: Dallewal urged the government to address farmer suicides, highlighting alarming statistics.
Khanauri Border :In a powerful show of solidarity, nearly 90,000 farmers gathered at the Khanauri border between Haryana and Punjab today for a mahapanchayat led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader on a fast unto death for 40 days. The gathering, called to address critical farmer issues, saw a 7-kilometer-long traffic jam on the Punjab side, while Haryana remained calm under a heavy police and paramilitary presence.
Heavy Security Measures and Roadblocks
The Haryana police, citing security concerns, imposed Section 144 in Jind district, effectively barring farmers from crossing into the mahapanchayat. Despite these restrictions, the turnout from Punjab was massive, showcasing the unwavering determination of the farming community.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal: A Leader’s Sacrifice
Carried to the stage on a stretcher, Jagjit Singh Dallewal delivered a moving 9-minute address to the crowd. Starting with a humble “Ram-Ram,” he emphasized that his battle was not personal but guided by divine will.
“This is not my fight; it is God’s will. The body you see is merely a vessel for His work.”
Dallewal commended the support from youth across Punjab and Haryana, who rushed to sustain the protest when authorities tried to forcibly remove him.
Farmer Suicides: A Growing Tragedy
In a heartfelt plea, Dallewal turned attention to the devastating farmer suicide crisis, criticizing the government for downplaying the numbers.
“Government records cite 4 lakh farmer suicides, but the reality exceeds 7 lakh. This must stop.”
He urged farmers to mobilize in greater numbers, insisting that only a unified and sustained movement could bring about meaningful change.
The Road Ahead: Hope Amid Struggle
Dallewal’s speech resonated deeply, reinforcing the farmers’ resolve to continue their fight. He declared with unwavering confidence:
“No matter how much force the government uses, we will win this battle.”
The mahapanchayat ended on a note of determination, with calls for increased participation to strengthen the movement and compel the government to address the pressing issues of farmer welfare and suicides.
A Movement for Justice and Dignity
As the sun set over the Khanauri border, the gathering symbolized more than just a protest. It was a testament to the resilience of India’s farmers, their unwavering faith in justice, and their demand for a life of dignity.
