Shambhu: 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‘Jathha’ of 101 farmers which was blocked by the police at the Shambhu border following security interference has been withdrawn for the day, said Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.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” 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.
In a press conference, Sarwan Singh Pandher discussed the next course of action. He said that On December 16, a tractor march will be organised outside Punjab by the farmers. Two days later, Farmers have called Rail Roko in Punjab on December 18. Saerwan Singh Pandher urged people to join the Rail Roko protest in large numbers.
Accusing the Centre Govt, Pandher said, “Indian government, the fifth largest economy in the world, used force against 101 farmers… Chemical water was thrown at us using cannons. Bombs were thrown at us. Tear gas shells were also thrown… 17 farmers have been injured, out of which many are in serious condition, and they are not being given proper treatment in the hospital. ”
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.”
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.