Delhi march put off, farmers want Feb 14 meet with Centre advanced

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) has postponed the march by 101-member Marjeevda Jatha, which was to be held from the Shambhu border point to Delhi tomorrow to press the government to accept farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

The move came two days after the government offered to hold talks with representatives of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the KMM. Members of the two bodies are protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the KMM and SKM (Non-Political), said, “The KMM has postponed the plan to send another group of 101 farmers to the Shambhu border till January 26.”

“However, there is no change in the plan to hold a tractor march on Republic Day. Farmers will reach the houses of BJP leaders in the state, silos owned by corporate houses, toll plazas and shopping malls on tractors and hold protest. Our struggle will continue until our demands are met,” said Pandher.

Earlier, paramilitary forces and the Haryana Police had foiled the attempts of Marjeevda Jathas to carry out a foot march from the Shambhu border to Delhi on December 6, 8 and 14 last year.

Pandher also appealed to the government to advance the date of meeting and shift the venue from Chandigarh to Delhi. He argued that on February 14, farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast would enter its 87th day, which would jeopardise his health.

“The model code of conduct in Delhi is no reason to delay the meeting,” said Pandher. “If the announcement on the 8th Pay Commission can be made while the poll code is in force, why can’t this meeting take place? The government must act immediately.”

Two days after agreeing to take medical treatment, Dallewal today declared that he would continue his fast until the farmers’ demands are met, dispelling rumours of an imminent end to his fast.

Dallewal’s fast entered its 56th day today. Under pressure from fellow protesters, he had agreed to accept medical aid on Saturday. Speaking from a cubicle atop a tractor trolley, Dallewal lauded the 121 fasting farmers from Punjab and Haryana for increasing pressure on the Centre to engage in talks, which were now scheduled for February 14.

“This is just the beginning of a long struggle,” Dallewal said. “I was unwilling to break my fast, but when you (farmers) sat outside my tent and said that you all will join me in observing fast, I had to agree to medical intervention. However, I will not go beyond this. I will not take food until the farmers’ rights are secured. I have full faith in Waheguru (the Almighty) and will attend the February 14 meeting in whatever condition I would be in. Stay strong,” he urged fellow protesters.

Addressing mediapersons at Khanauri, SSP Dr Nanak Singh said there was a noticeable improvement in Dallewal’s health since he began taking medical treatment.

US-based cardiologist Swaiman Singh, who is overseeing Dallewal’s treatment, warned in a video message that the farm leader’s condition might require a food diet for sustained recovery. He urged farm unions to press the government to advance the date of meeting to avoid risking Dallewal’s health further.