Farmers Gear Up for December 14 Delhi March After 303 Days of Protest; Hunger Strike Enters 15th Day

Key Highlights:

• Renewed March Plan: Farmers announced another march to Delhi on December 14 after being halted twice earlier this month.
• 303 Days of Protest: The agitation has completed 303 days, with a hunger strike ongoing for the past 15 days.
• Key Demands: Protesters demand legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the release of detained farmers.
• Clashes with Authorities: Farmers faced tear gas and confrontations with security forces during previous attempts to march to Delhi.

New Delhi: A group of 101 farmers is gearing up for a march towards Delhi on December 14 from the Shambhu Border protest site on the Punjab-Haryana border. This announcement comes after two earlier failed attempts to reach Delhi on December 6 and 8, when Haryana security forces stopped them, leading to clashes involving tear gas and injuries.

Sarwan Singh Pandher’s Address

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, reiterated the movement’s determination.

• “Our protest has reached its 303rd day, and today marks the 15th day of our hunger strike,” said Pandher.
• Pandher emphasized the farmers’ willingness for dialogue but expressed disappointment that no government representative had approached them.
• He also announced prayers on Wednesday for the success of their movement and called for the release of farmers detained during the protests.

Previous March Attempts and Clashes

• On December 6 and 8, groups of 101 farmers under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha banners tried marching to Delhi.
• Security forces stopped them, leading to confrontations where tear gas shells were used. Several farmers sustained injuries during these clashes.

Core Demands

The farmers are protesting to press the central government for:

1. Legal Guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP): A major demand to ensure fair and assured prices for crops.
2. Release of Detained Farmers: Immediate release of those arrested during the ongoing agitation.

Looking Ahead

The December 14 march reflects the farmers’ unyielding resolve as they prepare to face possible confrontations. With nearly a year of protests behind them, they remain steadfast in their demands for justice and fair treatment.