indian Farmers Plan Renewed March on Delhi Amidst Crackdown and Hunger strike
Tensions remain high in India as a group of 101 farmers,representing the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha,are preparing for another march to the capital,Delhi,on December 14th. This renewed push comes after a previous attempt was thwarted, leaving several farmers injured from tear gas used by Haryana security forces at the Punjab-Haryana border.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the upcoming march will be peaceful. “The group of 101 farmers will march on foot on Saturday in a peaceful manner,” Pandher said, according to PTI. he also urged the government to engage in dialog before the protests escalate further. “The government should hold talks before the farmers intensify their actions,” he added.
Adding to the complexity of the situation,key farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November 26th. His deteriorating health has further fueled concerns and prompted the postponement of previous protest actions. The farmers’ unions cited his condition as a major factor in suspending their previous march.
Dallewal’s Hunger Strike Raises Stakes
Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its eighteenth day on Friday, prompting worry among fellow farmers and raising questions about the government’s response. Pandher expressed concern, stating, “…We are receiving information from Khanauri that Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not keeping well. The whole country is worried about his health except for the PM and Home Minister,” according to ANI. He continued, “Neither are they worried about our Delhi March nor are they worried about what’s happening in Khanauri… We beleive that forming a committee is not a solution to our problem. If the government wants to arrive at a solution, they must arrange talks wiht us…”
Simultaneously occurring, samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Rakesh Tikait met with Dallewal on Friday, calling for unity among farmer groups to strengthen their collective action. The situation underscores the deep-seated concerns among Indian farmers regarding agricultural policies and the government’s response to their demands.
The ongoing protests highlight the challenges faced by farmers globally in securing fair prices and adequate support for their livelihoods. The situation in India serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing agricultural issues and ensuring open dialogue between farmers and governments.
Indian Farmers Escalate Protests, Raising Global Food Security Concerns
Tensions are rising in India as farmers intensify their protests, demanding government intervention on several key issues. The demonstrations, centered around the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana states, began on February 13th after a march on Delhi was blocked by security forces. The situation has drawn parallels to past farmer movements in the United States, highlighting the global nature of agricultural concerns.
A key figure in the protests, a leader identified only as Dallewal ji, is undertaking a hunger strike, fueling anxieties among fellow farmers. “Dallewal ji is our big leader and we are worried about his health, farmers of the entire country are worried,” said one protestor.Another leader, Tikait, echoed these concerns, adding, “we are worried about his health…the government should take cognizance…It does not seem that Dallewal will take back his fast-unto-death till the time the government does not hold talks and meets their demands.”
The farmers’ demands are multifaceted and include a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for crops, a critically important debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, a freeze on electricity tariff hikes, the withdrawal of police cases against protestors, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. These demands resonate with similar concerns raised by American farmers regarding fair pricing, debt relief, and government support.
tikait issued a stark warning, stating that the government will face the consequences of inaction. He suggested a shift in protest strategy, moving away from encircling Delhi, as seen in previous protests against now-repealed farm laws. “The agitation (against now repealed farm laws) ran for 13 months at Delhi’s borders… the government once again needs 4 lakh tractors. The agitation this time will be on KMP, we will have to make KMP the borders,” Tikait explained. “When Delhi will be surrounded, it will be from KMP. When and how that will happen,we will see…”
The potential impact of these protests extends beyond India’s borders. India is a major agricultural producer and exporter, and disruptions to its farming sector could have ripple effects on global food prices and supplies, impacting consumers worldwide, including in the United States. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global food systems and the importance of addressing the concerns of farmers globally.
The ongoing protests serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities within global agricultural systems and the need for enduring and equitable policies that support farmers and ensure food security for all.
Indian Farmers Plan Renewed march on Delhi amidst Crackdown and Hunger Strike
Tensions are escalating in India as farmers prepare for another march on Delhi after a previous attempt was blocked by security forces. The situation has sparked concerns over the government’s handling of farmers’ demands and drawn parallels to past agriculture-related movements around the world.
World Today News Senior Editor Sarah Thompson sits down with Dr. Asha Sharma, an expert on Indian agrarian economics and social movements, to discuss this evolving situation.
Thompson: Dr. sharma, can you provide some context for our readers about the situation unfolding in India? What are the key issues driving these farmer protests?
Sharma: Certainly. Indian farmers have been facing numerous challenges for years, including unpredictable weather patterns, rising input costs, and volatile market prices for their crops. They’ve been advocating for several key demands, including legally guaranteed minimum support prices (MSPs) for their produce, debt relief, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and protection from exploitative market practices.
Thompson: We understand there’s been a recent increase in tension, with a planned march being blocked and a prominent farmer leader engaged in a hunger strike. What’s the significance of these developments?
Sharma: Absolutely. The recent crackdown on the farmers’ march and the ongoing hunger strike by Jagjit Singh Dallewal underscore the heightened urgency of the situation. Dallewal, a respected leader, has been protesting for fairer agricultural policies for years, and his deteriorating health has become a focal point for the movement. It demonstrates the desperation and determination within the farming community.
Thompson: How have these protests been received by the Indian government?
Sharma: Regrettably, the response from the government has been characterized by delays, inaction, and at times, a heavy-handed approach. Many farmers believe their voices are not being heard and their concerns dismissed. They feel the government is not prioritizing their livelihoods or understanding the critical role agriculture plays in the Indian economy and food security.
Thompson: This situation isn’t unique to India, is it? We’ve seen similar farmer protests in other parts of the world.
Sharma: You are right,Sarah. The struggles faced by Indian farmers are not isolated.
Farmers around the world are facing similar challenges, including price volatility, climate change impacts, unfair trade practices, and a lack of government support. We’ve seen notable farmer movements in the United States, Europe, and other regions, highlighting a global crisis in agriculture.
Thompson: What are the potential implications of these ongoing protests for India and the world?
Sharma: The situation in India has far-reaching consequences.
India is a major agricultural producer and exporter, so disruptions to its farming sector can ripple through global food markets, impacting prices and supplies worldwide. furthermore, the lack of resolution to these farmer concerns could lead to further instability, perhaps impacting rural economies and overall political stability in the region.
Thompson: What are your perspectives on a potential way forward in this situation?
Sharma:
Dialog and genuine engagement are crucial. The Indian government needs to listen to the farmers’ demands, address their grievances fairly, and work collaboratively to find enduring solutions.This includes implementing policies that ensure fair prices for crops, provide adequate support for farmers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
It’s essential for the government to recognize the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security and economic stability. Ignoring their concerns will only lead to further conflict and instability, with repercussions that extend beyond India’s borders.
