Farmers gear up for Foot March to Delhi, set midnight deadline for government response
Ferozepur, December 5, 2024: Farmers under the leadership of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are set to march to Delhi on December 6, marking the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. On December 5, farmers began gathering at Punjab’s Shambhu and Khannauri borders to prepare for the march, which will be conducted without tractors or trolleys.
Farmers begin march to Delhi amid ultimatum to government
First batch of 101 farmers to depart on foot from Shambhu Border
The first group, named the "Marjeevda Jatha," consisting of 101 unarmed farmers, will left on foot from Shambhu Border at 1 PM on December 6. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that if authorities attempted to block the march, it would mark a moral victory for their movement.
Pandher also emphasized that the government must provide written communication regarding any intention to negotiate with farmers by 11 PM on December 5. “If the government doesn’t want to listen to us, they should at least listen to the Vice President, who has spoken on farmers’ issues with conscience,” he said.
Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, debt waivers for farmers and labourers, and action on 12 other critical issues. Leaders criticized the government’s imposition of Section 144 to hinder their movement, calling it an authoritarian approach. “After encouraging us to walk to Delhi, the government now imposes restrictions even on peaceful marches,” said Pandher.
At the borders, thousands of farmers have gathered following an appeal by farmer organizations. The movement leaders have ensured online registration of participants to maintain transparency. Pandher affirmed that the march is being conducted in a phased manner to avoid falling into any tactical traps laid by the authorities.
The protest comes as farmers renew their agitation after nearly ten months of continuous advocacy for their demands, underscoring their resolve for justice and fair treatment.