New Delhi: A Maha Panchayat of farmers protesting at Punjab’s Khannauri border was held on Saturday. The gathering, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), was held to intensify the ongoing agitation for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26, addressed the panchayat despite his deteriorating health.
Plans for nationwide protests on January 10
Dallewal, in his emotional speech, called for unity and resilience among farmers, urging them to send reinforcements to the protest site. He described the movement as a fight for justice, not just for themselves but for the generations to come.
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Referring to farmer suicides, he emphasized the importance of this struggle, citing reports of up to 7 lakh suicides over the years. However, his speech had to be cut short as his health worsened.
During the Maha Panchayat, leaders announced their decision to burn effigies of the central government across the country on January 10. They urged farmers from all states to join the movement and intensify protests in their regions.
Punjab government seeks Centre’s intervention
On December 20, Punjab’s Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian formally requested the Centre’s intervention through a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The letter highlighted the urgency of the situation, especially concerning Dallewal’s hunger strike, which has been ongoing for nearly a month.
The Supreme Court has also stepped in, directing authorities to ensure Dallewal’s health is safeguarded. The court allowed state officials to move him to a hospital if necessary. While Union Minister Chouhan has yet to issue a formal response, he said in a press briefing that his ministry would act in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive.
The farmers’ protest, which began in February last year, remains centered on their demand for a legal guarantee on MSP. It has seen widespread participation from various groups, highlighting the broader concerns of India’s agricultural community. Farmer leaders have vowed to continue their fight, asserting that their demands are non-negotiable.
