Chandigarh: The Haryana government has invited farmer union leaders for a crucial meeting in Ambala, following the announcement of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). The march, by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM aims to press for the legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and fulfill 12 additional demands.
Farmer leaders have been staging protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. Their announcement to march towards Delhi has intensified tensions, prompting Haryana authorities to prioritize law and order.
Government Seeks Dialogue Ahead of March
On Sunday, farmer leaders received verbal communication inviting them to the meeting. However, they insisted on formal written communication. Subsequently, the Ambala Superintendent of Police’s office sent a written invite on Monday afternoon.
Union leaders, including Amarjeet Singh Mohri of BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Sarwan Singh Pandher, KMM coordinator, attended the 4:30 PM meeting held at the Police Officers’ Institute in Ambala. The Haryana government reiterated its request for the unions to maintain law and order during their march.
Farmers’ March Strategy Unfolds
The unions disclosed their detailed plan, stating they would walk daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and stay overnight at pre-determined locations during the march. However, they have not yet sought fresh permission for a protest site in Delhi, asserting that an earlier email sent in January should suffice. In that email, the unions had requested Ramlila Ground or Jantar Mantar as protest venues.
Haryana officials reportedly plan to request updated written permissions from the unions for protest in the national capital. They may also seek assurances against establishing permanent protest sites in Haryana during the march.
Security Heightened at Punjab-Haryana Border
Punjab authorities have ramped up security measures at the Shambhu border, anticipating a surge in protestors from December 4. Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed that various groups from Punjab will start their journeys on December 3, swelling the numbers at the border gathering.
Political Responses Emerge
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar called for dialogue between the farmers and the Centre. In a social media post, Jakhar criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for exploiting farmers during the paddy procurement season, leading to financial distress. He argued that farmers now look to the central government for solutions, as other political parties, including Akali Dal and Congress, appear more focused on their political survival.
Jakhar emphasized that the central government has consistently prioritized farmers’ welfare and urged a collaborative resolution to address their grievances.
Uncertain Outcome
With the Haryana government aiming to defuse the situation and farmer unions resolute in their plans, the coming days will determine whether dialogue can avert potential disruptions. The ‘Dilli Chalo’ march underscores unresolved agrarian issues that remain central to the political and social discourse in the region.
Sidenote: This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
