Farmers at Khanauri Border Intensify Protest with Hunger Strike

by The_unmuteenglish

Chandigarh, 10 December 2024: Farmers led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal have escalated their ongoing protest at the Khanauri border between Haryana and Punjab by initiating a hunger strike on Tuesday. No food, including the langar (community kitchen), is being prepared at the protest site, and villagers nearby have been urged not to bring any supplies.

Amid the hunger strike, farmer leaders held discussions at the Shambhu border, reportedly considering a fresh march to Delhi. A press conference later in the day is expected to outline their next course of action.

The dispute over reopening the Khanauri border has once again reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed, naming the Punjab, Haryana, and Central governments as respondents. This development follows the dismissal of a similar petition by the Supreme Court just a day earlier.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the reopening of the border, but the Haryana government appealed to the Supreme Court, which stayed the order. The prolonged closure continues to disrupt transportation and daily life in the affected areas.

Dallewal’s Health Worsens
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 15 days, is reportedly in critical condition. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed that Dallewal’s health has deteriorated severely, affecting his ability to appear before the protesters. Medical reports indicate significant strain on his kidneys and liver, along with a weight loss of 11 kilograms. His blood pressure was recorded at 124/95, with a sugar level of 93 and a pulse rate of 87.

Despite his condition, Dallewal remains firm in his resolve. “This is a do-or-die battle for farmers’ rights,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to the cause.

Farmers Clean Up Tear Gas Debris
At the Shambhu border, protesters initiated a cleanup operation on Tuesday to clear remnants of tear gas shells used by police during earlier clashes. “The effects of tear gas are still felt in the area,” Pandher said while overseeing the effort.

Failed Marches to Delhi
The farmers have attempted two marches to Delhi in recent days, both of which ended in confrontations with police.

The December 6 March
On December 6, 101 farmers began their march from the Shambhu border after prayers and a communal meal. By 1 p.m., the group reached a three-layered barricade set up by the police. Protesters dismantled the barricades, removed barbed wire, and threw the debris into the Ghaggar River. The police responded with tear gas, injuring several farmers.

After a two-and-a-half-hour standoff, farmer leaders, including Pandher, called for a retreat, with protesters returning to the site, bringing dismantled barricades and wires along.

The December 8 March
Another group of 101 farmers resumed their march on December 8, clashing with Haryana Police on a bridge. Police demanded clearance letters, barring the farmers from proceeding to Delhi. Protesters attempted to breach barricades, prompting the police to deploy tear gas and water cannons.

In a gesture aimed at diffusing tensions, police offered tea, biscuits, and even showered flowers on the protesters. However, the confrontation resumed when the farmers persisted. After nearly four hours, farmer leaders called off the march, announcing that future strategies would be discussed in meetings of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).

Broader Implications
As the hunger strike and border blockade continue, legal challenges and failed negotiations highlight the growing rift between authorities and protesting farmers. All eyes remain on the upcoming press conference for clues about the movement’s next steps.

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