As the farmers’ “Delhi Chalo“ protest continues, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) announced that 101 farmers will resume their march to Delhi from Haryana’s Shambhu border on Saturday. This protest has reached its 307th day, with the farmers demanding talks with the central government and highlighting the growing nationwide support for their cause.

KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their silence, accusing them of distancing themselves from the protest. He also aimed at BJP MPs, claiming their statements were increasing community divisions and hindering progress. “The government is doing everything to ensure that the protest fails. They are trying to prove that even if all of Punjab and Haryana come together, the protest still cannot succeed,“ he remarked.

The farmers, enduring harsh weather conditions, have protested by blocking roads at Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Despite the challenging conditions, they remain committed, setting up makeshift shelters at the borders. Their primary demands include:

• A legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
• Debt relief for farmers.
• Pension schemes for farmers and farm labourers.
• No hike in electricity tariffs.
• The withdrawal of police cases.
• Justice for those affected by the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

The protest has also garnered legal attention. On Friday, the Supreme Court instructed the Centre and Punjab to ensure that Jagjit Singh Dallewal, chief of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, receives necessary medical care. Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November 26 at the Khanauri border. The Court emphasized that his life was more important than the protest and called for a direct dialogue.

Ahead of the resumed march, the Haryana government took preventive measures by suspending mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages in the Ambala district. The suspension, which will last from 6 am on December 14 to 11:59 pm on December 17, aims to maintain public peace and prevent the spread of misinformation. Authorities expressed concerns that the protest could lead to public disturbances, property damage, and escalation of tensions.

The suspension affects villages such as Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru. The order states that the suspension will help curb rumours that could mobilize protesters and lead to violent actions, including arson and vandalism, which could harm public and private properties.