Shambhu: As farmers prepare to resume their march towards Delhi, the Haryana government has implemented a preemptive digital lockdown. Mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended in 12 villages in Ambala district, creating a tense atmosphere as the protest, now in its 307th day, enters a new phase.
The planned march, involving 101 farmers of a Jathha’ from the Shambhu border, marks a renewed push for the farmers’ demands. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the resumption, highlighting the ongoing need for national-level support.
Pandher voiced strong criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accusing them of remaining silent and distant from the issue. He also alleged that BJP MPs’ rhetoric is dividing communities and that government agencies are actively working against the success of the farmers’ movement.
“The Union Agriculture Minister has not been speaking about the protest either and the way BJP MPs are doing ‘bayanbazi’ is going to cause division in communities. The government agencies are trying their best to ensure that the ‘morcha’ does not win. They are trying to prove that even if all of Punjab and Haryana come together, even then the morcha cannot win,” Pandher alleged while speaking to newsd agency ANI.
The farmers’ determination is unwavering, even amid harsh weather conditions and makeshift accommodations at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Their demands remain comprehensive, encompassing a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, pensions for farmers and labourers, electricity tariff caps, withdrawal of police cases and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Adding another layer of urgency is the ongoing fast-unto-death protest by Samyukta Kisan Morcha chief Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border. The Supreme Court intervened on Friday, directing the Centre and Punjab to ensure he receives necessary medical aid, saying “his life is more precious than any agitation”.
Authorities suspended internet and bulk SMS services from December 14th to 17th citing apprehensions of potential tension, property damage, and disruption of public peace. The suspension covers 12 villages including Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar (Hira Nagar, Naresh Vihar), Saddopur, Sultanpur and Kakru villages in Ambala.”It has been brought to my notice by additional director general of police, CID, Haryana and deputy commissioner, Ambala that in view of the call for Delhi Kooch given by certain farmers’ organisations, there is an apprehension of causing tension, annoyance, agitation, damage of public and private property and disturbance of public peace and tranquillity in the area of districts Ambala,” an order issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra said.
“In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities,” the order reads further.
