The 'Jathha' of 101 farmers which was blocked by the police at the Shambhu border following security interference has been withdrawn for the day, said Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
"Both the forums have decided to withdraw the 'Jattha' today. We are hearing that 17-18 people have been injured. We will hold a press conference after some time and inform you about further action," said farmer leader Pandher. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons on the 'Jathha' of farmers who were marching for 'Delhi Kooch' from the Shambhu border after they remained firm in their resolve to press forward with their demonstration on Saturday afternoon. Speaking to ANI, Sarwan Singh Pandher said, "Both the parties (BJP and opposition) are not raising the farmer's issues in the parliament. The BJP wants to eliminate the farmers. Our voice is reaching the 140 crore people of the country but not reaching the Prime Minister. We want the whole of India to stand up and if the farmers of the country stand up and raise their voices, then we will be allowed to go to Delhi and our demands will be fulfilled." Asked about the Haryana authority's actions to the farmers' ongoing protests, Pandher said, "The Haryana Police is misleading the public. How can 100 people walking on foot be dangerous for the country? Why have you blocked the border for the last 10 months? Why have you harassed the people of your country?" Congress leader and wrestler Bajrang Punia who was also present at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border spoke to ANI over the protests and said, "The government on one hand is saying that we are not stopping the farmers, but on the other hand they are using tear gas and other things. It is being treated as if it is the Pakistan border." "When leaders go to Delhi to protest, do they take permission? Farmers only want MSP for their crops. We will always support the farmers. The government should fulfil its promises," stated Pandher. The 'Jathha' of 101 farmers marching to Delhi from the Shambhu border point of Haryana were stopped from entering the national capital by the police on Saturday afternoon. As farmers resumed their 'Dilli Chalo' march on the 307th day of their ongoing protest, they were confronted by police who had set up barricades to prevent their entry into the capital. The police action led to tension at the protest site, as farmers attempted to move forward, but the authorities maintained their position, citing security concerns and the need to control the movement of protesters into Delhi. The police action led to tension at the protest site, as farmers attempted to move forward, but the authorities maintained their position, citing security concerns and the need to control the movement of protesters into Delhi. Farmers blocked by the police requested security forces to allow them to continue their protests in a peaceful manner. A farmer leader at the site spoke to police through the barricades and said, "SP Sahab, we want to march to Delhi peacefully, we request you to not block our protest, please give us the road. We should be allowed to move ahead. Our voice should not be suppressed by these iron and stone barriers." "Hamari awaz ko an kuchla jaye (Don't suppress our voices)," requested the farmers. "50 per cent of the people in our country are involved in agriculture, their voices cannot be suppressed. Our farmer Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border. His deteriorating health is in front of everyone, even the Prime Minister," said the farmers' leader. "You can check us for everything, we only have flags and clothes to wear. We only want to talk to the government about our issues," said the farmers' leader. Ambala Superintendent of Police in response to the appeal said, "If you want to go to Delhi, you should take proper permission and once you get the permission, we will allow you to go. There was a hearing in the Supreme Court yesterday. Instructions have been given to hold a meeting.The next date of the meeting is December 18. We appeal to you to sit here peacefully and follow the rules." Police officials were heavily deployed at the border after the farmers announced a fresh attempt to 'Delhi March.' As the protest continues to gain momentum, the farmers are intensifying demonstrations to pressure the government into addressing their demands. (ANI)
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