Ludhiana: In a determined move to press for their long-standing demands, 101 farmers from Punjab embarked on the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march on Friday, December 6, under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM, non-political). The group, named the Marjeevda Jatha (Martyrs’ Brigade), is advocating for critical issues such as the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Significance of the Martyrs’ Brigade
The ‘Dilli Chalo’ march coincides with the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, symbolizing the farmers’ commitment to sacrifice for their cause. “These farmers have drawn inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh gurus,” said Tejveer Singh, spokesperson for the Bhartiya Kisaan Union Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Haryana).
The Marjeevda Jatha includes representatives from key farmer unions like BKU Krantikari, BKU Azad, BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Haryana), BKU Doaba, and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC).
The Farmers’ Perspective
Kuljinder Singh, a marginal farmer from Moga, Punjab, is among the protestors. “As the fourth-generation farmer in my family, I have transferred my four-acre land to my son and now dedicate myself entirely to this struggle,” he stated, reflecting the determination of many others in the group.
Seventy-year-old Gurdev Singh Gajjumajra from Patiala echoed similar resolve, saying, “Farmers who toil in the fields can easily march to Delhi. We are prepared for this.”
A Protest Met With Resistance
Security has been tightened on the Punjab-Haryana borders, particularly at Shambhu on National Highway-44 and Khanauri on the Sangrur-Jind highway. Haryana forces have fortified barricades, prepared for potential confrontations.
Despite resistance from the Haryana government, which held two rounds of talks, and the Punjab government, which attempted to mediate once, farmer unions refused to postpone their march. Previous protests saw severe police action, including tear gas shelling, resulting in casualties, such as the death of young farmer Shubhkaran Singh earlier this year.
Leadership Speaks
“We will remain peaceful. Let us see what the authorities will do to us. If they act with force, they will expose themselves,” said Sarwan Singh Pandher, KMM coordinator.
In case of emergencies, 80-member rescue teams are on standby to provide medical assistance to injured protestors.
Larger Implications
The Marjeevda Jatha represents a broader struggle by Indian farmers for systemic reforms in agricultural policies. Their demand for MSP guarantees is part of a larger list of unresolved issues. Previous talks with the Centre yielded no results, fueling frustration among the community.
With heightened security and unwavering resolve, the march’s outcome could significantly impact the ongoing farmer movement and the government’s approach to addressing agricultural grievances.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
