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The ongoing farmers' agitation, which began on February 13th, continues to simmer with farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announcing mahapanchayats scheduled for September 15th in Jind and September 22nd in Pipli. Pandher alleges that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been utilizing agencies to suppress the protests, particularly as Haryana approaches its state elections.
The protests, centered around the Shambhu border near Ambala, have faced significant challenges, including injuries and even fatalities. Pandher highlighted these difficulties, stating that the agitation has become a 'headache' for the BJP government. He accused the Modi government of employing central agencies to intimidate protestors, citing the recent NIA raid on the residence of BKU leader Sukhwinder Kaur. Pandher emphasized the timing of this raid, occurring as the protests approach their 200th day and large gatherings are anticipated, and asserted that the farmers would not be deterred by such actions.
Pandher further demanded that the central government open the borders, allowing the farmers to advance towards Delhi. He highlighted the planned large gatherings of farmers at various borders, including Shambhu, Khanauri, and other locations, as the protests reach their 200th day. Pandher also mentioned the expected presence of Vinesh Phogat, a prominent wrestler and supporter of the farmers' movement. He emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and called upon the government to allow them to reach Delhi to reiterate their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Supreme Court had previously requested Haryana and Punjab to nominate neutral committee members to negotiate with the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border. This latest call for the opening of the borders and the planned mahapanchayats represent a renewed push by the farmers to raise their demands and pressure the central government to address their concerns.
This ongoing struggle highlights the complex political landscape in India, where farmers' demands for economic security intersect with political pressures and strategic maneuvers. The upcoming elections in Haryana and the timing of the mahapanchayats suggest a possible escalation of the protests and the use of these gatherings as platforms for mobilizing support and applying pressure on the government.
Source: Farmers to hold mahapanchayat on September 15 and 22, ask center to open borders to Delhi