The hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Data Singh Wala border has entered its 67th day. At the Shambhu border, farmers, led by Sarwan Singh Pandher, are also continuing their protest. Farmers had hoped that the central government would announce an MSP (Minimum Support Price) guarantee law in the Union Budget, which started on Friday, but their expectations were not met. The central government has invited farmers for talks on 14th February, while on 13th February, the movement will mark one year of the ongoing protest. Sarwan Singh Pandher mentioned that a large gathering of farmers will take place at the Shambhu border on the occasion. However, he emphasized that the budget should have focused more on farmers' issues. Pandher questioned the government's policies, saying that if they were correct, the currency wouldn't be constantly falling to its lowest levels. Farmers demand inclusion of their demands in the budget
Farmers and laborers are protesting at the Shambhu, Khanouri, and Ratnpura borders. They had demanded that the written promises made by the central government regarding the implementation of MSP guarantee laws and other commitments, which were part of the BJP's election manifesto, should be included in the budget. However, this was not addressed. The farmer leaders have stated that their protest is to demand the implementation of the MSP guarantee law, as well as the formula recommended by Dr. Swaminathan Commission for crop prices, full loan waivers for farmers and workers, and the complete fulfillment of their other demands. Farmers have dismissed the budget as a mere formality and stated that the government should have reserved a portion of the budget for agricultural welfare. Since this has not been done, they believe the budget does not serve the farmers' needs. Compensation for deceased farmer’s family
Sarwan Singh Pandher informed that another farmer, Pragat Singh, a resident of Kakkad village in Amritsar, died while fighting for his rightful demands at the Shambhu border. The farmer organizations are demanding that his family be compensated with 5 lakh rupees and that a family member be given a job based on qualifications.
Dallewal's health worsens
Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike has weakened his health, and he is now suffering from a fever. Despite this, he has continued his protest for the 67th day. Farmers’ next strategy in three key points
On 14th February, the central government will meet farmers in Chandigarh. Before this meeting, farmers are planning to show their strength at the border to demonstrate that even after one year of the movement, their resolve remains strong. They are ready for a long battle. Farmers are maintaining a peaceful stance, not showing any aggression. Dallewal's hunger strike has forced the government to reconsider, and he has personally urged people to join the movement.
Farmers are focusing on expanding the movement beyond Punjab to other states like Haryana and Rajasthan. Farmers from Haryana are already joining the protest, and with plans for more Mahapanchayats and tractor marches, they aim to increase pressure on the government.Original Article