Farmers’ March postponed amid health concerns and PM Modi’s Panipat visit
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, December 9, 2024: The planned “Dilli Chalo” march by farmers on Monday and Tuesday has been postponed, as announced by Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). The decision was influenced by the health of injured protesters and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Panipat on Monday afternoon.
“We will monitor the PM’s speech for any remarks on farmers and address the health of critically injured protesters,” Pandher said. Among the injured, 65-year-old Resham Singh is being treated for a head injury at PGIMER, Chandigarh, while two others, Dilbagh Singh Gill and Karnail Singh Lung, are hospitalized in Patiala with respiratory issues.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, coordinator of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political), continues his hunger strike on day 14, with deteriorating health. Pandher stated that further decisions would be made after a meeting at the Khanauri border on Tuesday.
The farmers, protesting for 300 days at NH-44 Shambhu and NH-52 Khanauri, accuse the Haryana Government of obstructing peaceful marches. Earlier processions resulted in injuries to over 20 farmers, with promises from officials to address their grievances yet to materialize.
Tejveer Singh, spokesperson for Bharatiya Kisan Union Shaheed Bhagat Singh-Haryana, highlighted the resilience of the protest despite harsh winters. He criticized the state for repeatedly blocking their marches, both with tractors in February and now on foot.
The unions will decide the next steps on Tuesday, with no more processions planned towards the Shambhu border until further notice.