On the occasion of Republic Day, farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and the nation will roll out impressive tractor marches in large numbers to voice their demands. To gear up for this event, farmer organizations convened a meeting on Saturday. Amidst these preparations, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed his unwavering support for the farmers. He emphasized that Punjabi farmers have always brought pride to the nation. Our food providers are engaging in hunger strikes and protests, and Punjabis never bow down, despite attempts to destabilize Punjab.
It is reported that over 200 locations in Punjab will witness more than 100,000 tractors parading on the roads. A similar movement is anticipated in the neighboring state of Haryana. Responding to the national call for a tractor march on January 26, farmer leaders have declared that they will park their tractors outside BJP offices and major shopping malls from 12 PM to 1:30 PM.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), along with Punjab farmer organizations SKM (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), have declared their intention to conduct these tractor marches.
Source: aajtak
March to Occur in 100 Tehsils
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has encouraged a widespread tractor march protesting across Punjab, Haryana, and the nation. In Punjab, these marches will operate at the tehsil level, traveling from villages to designated points before returning, showcasing demonstrations across at least 100 tehsils.
Some Aim to Destabilize Punjab: CM
Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remarked in support of the farmers that Punjabi farmers have consistently uplifted the nation. Engaged in relentless hunger strikes and protests, they stand firm. The Indian government ought to engage in dialogue with farmers to redirect tractors towards the fields. The government must release funds for rural development and mandis. While knocking on the doors of the High Court and Supreme Court may be necessary, Punjabis never bow their heads, despite destabilization attempts.
Source: aajtak
We Fight for MSP: Farmer Leader
In an interview with Aaj Tak, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated their struggle is for MSP (Minimum Support Price). It is the central government's job to create a budget for this. Their protest stems from an unmet government promise to provide an MSP guarantee. Ownership and procurement responsibilities lie with the central government and FCI (Food Corporation of India). Though they sought a resolution with Dallewal, he insists on continuing his indefinite hunger strike.
Tractor March Held Three Years Ago
In 2021, amidst the farmer protests, a similar tractor march surged towards the Red Fort, resulting in police action and arrests of several farmers.
Meeting on February 14
Meanwhile, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha has pleaded with the central government to hold their proposed February 14 meeting with the protesting farmers sooner, and urged fasting leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to end his indefinite fast. KMM, leading farmer protests for 11 months at Khanauri and Shambhu borders, announced a postponement of the January 21 march to January 26 by 101 farmers. A high-level central delegation, led by Ministry of Agriculture Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with Dallewal and SKM (non-political) and KMM representatives at Khanauri border, inviting them to reconvene talks from February 14.
At Shambhu protest site on Monday, KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the distant February 14 meeting date, insisting it be expedited and held in Delhi. The delay in scheduling reflects neither their terms nor demands but the urgency to hold it promptly.
