New Delhi: In a significant escalation of the ongoing farmers’ protest, a group of 101 farmers is set to march from the Shambhu Border to Delhi today, marking a pivotal moment in their agitation. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed that the march, now in its 297th day, will proceed despite heightened police security and barricades at the Ambala-Delhi border.
Protest Gains Momentum Amid Hunger Strike
Addressing the media, Pandher emphasized the gravity of their demands, stating, “The indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border has entered its 11th day. At 1 PM, a group of 101 farmers will move towards Delhi from the Shambhu Border.”
The movement continues to draw national attention, with farmers demanding guarantees for minimum support prices (MSP), compensation, and other benefits.
Police Crackdown in Noida
In a related development, 34 farmers were detained by Noida police late last night for attempting to protest at Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal without prior permission. The farmers were intercepted while marching from Zero Point and subsequently jailed.
A Noida police spokesperson said, “The farmers were detained to maintain law and order, as their march was unauthorized.” The action highlights the mounting tensions between authorities and protesters.
UP Government Forms Special Committee
Acknowledging the intensifying agitation, the Uttar Pradesh government has established a five-member committee to address the farmers’ grievances in Noida and Greater Noida. The committee, headed by IAS officer Anil Kumar Sagar, aims to propose actionable solutions within a month.
Other committee members include Piyush Verma, Sanjay Khatri, Saumya Shrivastava, and Kapil Singh, each bringing expertise in infrastructure and industrial development. The initiative reflects the government’s intention to approach the issue with a structured and methodical strategy.
Backdrop of Unrest
The protests gained momentum earlier this month when several farmers were detained on December 3 for pressing their demands for compensation and MSP guarantees. The detentions further galvanized the farmer unions, leading to today’s planned march to Delhi.
With barricades in place and the march poised to enter the capital, the coming days are likely to witness intensified stand-offs, making it a critical test for both the government and the protesting farmers.
