Farmers to March to Delhi to Press Demands with Centre: Pandher
Farmers’ leader Sarwan Singh Pandher. Image credit Bhawna Malik
Farmer Bodies Vow to Intensify Protests Against Govt
Farmers’ protest has begun once again, with Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of Snyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political), announcing his fast unto death from 26th November. With farmers across India reaching Shambhu and Khanauri borders, Punjab Police detained Dallewal. Amid the protest Bhawna Malik speaks to farmers’ leader Sarwan Singh Pandher to understand how farmers plan to continue this protest.
Q You and Jagjit Singh Dallewal were the main leaders for the farmers protest 2.0. Is this protest again your brain child?
Pandher: No, all farmer groups like Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, Bhartiya Kisan Union Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, etc., have different jathebandis, regional groups – area wise under which all farmers come as groups and joined the protest. No single person is the leader.
Q Jagjit Singh Dallewal is a cancer patient and in his 70’s why no farmer stopped him from this move?
Pandher: Fast unto death is and has been a way of protest by various leaders and if the govt doesn’t understand or fulfil the promises made to farmers, a protest had to begin. He is a cancer patient no doubt but we all are with him in this protest.
Q Dallewal has been detained by the police since 26th November. What happens to the protest and have you or any leader met him?
Pandher: The hunger strike continues by Hardeo Jhande, a farmer and a former army person. If his condition deteriorates another farmer leader will continue with the hunger strike. But the protest will continue.
No one is allowed to meet Dallewal. He was hospitalised and police will definitely try to force feed him. We all are worried for his wellbeing and personal safety. The police said that he was detained to safeguard his health, so why was no one allowed to meet him.
Q Farmers are planning to reach Shambhu, Khanauri borders from across India. Do you think the Haryana Government will let you cross border?
Pandher: Dallewal sahib was arrested from Khanauri. So, Punjab Police have detained him. The Central government has tweeted that they have no role in his detention. So, it’s purely on the orders of Punjab CM Bhagwant Maan.
Qn Farmers are planning to reach Khanauri and Shambhu borders on Sunday, and then on 6th December proceed to Delhi. Do you think Haryana Government will allow the farmers to cross the border?
Pandher: We are not carrying any tractors and trolleys this time. Why can’t farmers go to Delhi. They have a right to protest peacefully.
Not only this, but our farmer forums have also decided to gherao CM Bhagwant Singh Maan’s residence in Sangrur, since his mother had promised the farmers that if Maan is elected, he would make sure that their demands are met. So, we want to meet his mother also. We have a set of 12 demands from the Centre, including MSP and ₹10,000 pension for the farmers. We are not demanding anything new. The govt must fulfil its promises.
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