Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dhalewal’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 39th day on Friday, with little hope of resuming dialogue, as he called out supporters of the legitimate MSP cause to stage a protest on Saturday. I asked them to appear at the venue. Experts say this appears to be an attempt by the leaders to expand support and unite to revive the 2020 farmers’ movement.
Darrewal said in a video message in Hindi: “You know that the fight to secure a legitimate MSP continues. In this fight, I would like to express my gratitude to those who have joined the struggle and those who want to see the movement grow stronger. I appeal.” I hope to see you at the Kanauli border (the site of the protests) on January 4th, hands together. ”
Farmers have been marching in Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024 after their march to Delhi under the banners of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha was blocked by the Haryana government. They continue to camp at the Shambhu-Kanauli border point between the states. Attempts to reach Delhi “on foot” in small quantities also ended in failure.
Video credit: Businessline
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Darrewal has declared an indefinite fast from November 26, 2024 at the Kanauli border point in Punjab and Haryana to pressurize the Center to accept farmers’ demands, including legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops. Continuing. Farmer leaders had last year rejected an offer from MSP to procure certain pulses and oilseeds with a five-year guarantee (no legal sanctity).
Supporting the legal guarantee of MSP, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture said, “Implementation of a legally binding MSP in India will not only protect farmers’ livelihoods, but also promote rural economic growth and improve national food security.” It is also essential to strengthen security.” The advantages and benefits of implementing MSP as a legal guarantee far outweigh the challenges. This will stimulate economic activity in these areas and benefit local businesses and economies. ”
The Supreme Court is also considering the matter, but has yet to pass any order, which normally falls under the Centre’s jurisdiction. The government has no intention of using the trial as an excuse to resume negotiations.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on January 1 that the government will abide by the Supreme Court’s judgment and take steps accordingly.
Asked about holding dialogues with farmers protesting to ease traffic congestion, the minister said, “The Supreme Court, jaise nirnay de raha hai, uske hisab se karyavahi hogi” ”. He also said he meets with various agricultural organizations every Tuesday to discuss their concerns.
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Asked about the ongoing farmers’ agitation in Punjab, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on January 1: “If you were moving around during the Haryana elections, farmers gave us great feedback about ‘Andhra’ and real welfare which is ‘good for farmers’. You would see for yourself.”
The Supreme Court had earlier asked the Punjab government to transfer Darrewal, 70, to a makeshift hospital set up within 700 meters from the protest site on the Kanauli border.
