New Delhi: Ambala district administration is likely to stop farmer organizations preparing for a foot march to Delhi starting on December 6. The farmers, under the banners of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM, non-political), have planned a 235-kilometer journey from the Shambhu border in Punjab to Delhi to press for their demands.
The deputy commissioner (DC) of Ambala sent a letter to farmer leaders, asking them to cancel their march due to concerns over law and order. The letter highlights the enforcement of Section 144 in Ambala, which prohibits large gatherings, and mentions that farmers need prior permission from Delhi Police to proceed with their march or stage protests in Delhi. Without this clearance, the administration stated that farmers will not be allowed to cross Haryana to reach the national capital.
Farmers determined to march
Despite the administration’s appeal, KMM and SKM leaders remain committed to their plan. Sarwan Singh Pandher, KMM coordinator, announced after a meeting in Chandigarh that their march will begin from the Shambhu border on December 6 at 12 pm. Groups led by senior leaders will walk daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with the first group including leaders like Satnam Singh Pannu, Swinder Singh Chhatala, and Surjit Singh Phool.
Pandher also referred to statements by the Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Haryana’s Agriculture Minister, who had reportedly expressed support for the farmers’ right to march. “The Haryana and Union governments must honor their commitments,” he said.
Why are farmers protesting
The KMM and SKM (non-political) members have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13. As of December 1, their dharna completed 293 days.
The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) and have put forward 12 other demands.
