Ferozepur, January, 1
While the world welcomed the New Year with celebrations, farmers and labourers continued their fight under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). Meanwhile, they will celebrate Guru Gobind Jayanti on January 6, amid Shambhu protest.
The second phase of the Delhi protest, ongoing since February 13, 2024, sees farmers braving harsh winter conditions at various borders. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, speaking to the media after an important meeting of the Morcha, shared updates on the protest and upcoming events.
Pandher expressed deep concern over the continued indifference of the government, even as activist Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 37th day. Despite the prolonged protest, the government remains unmoved, he remarked. Pandher announced that Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth anniversary would be celebrated at Shambhu Border on January 6, 2025, with a grand congregation from 11 AM to 2 PM.
The Morcha has extended invitations to villagers near Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib to join the Shambhu Border event in large numbers. Pandher stressed the importance of organizational unity, stating that the turnout would showcase the collective strength of the movement.
The Morcha leaders also decided to escalate efforts by mobilizing more participants at the Shambhu protest site. The leadership demanded that the Punjab Government pass resolutions in the Vidhan Sabha to reject the Central Government’s privatization-driven agricultural marketing policies and support the 12-point demands of the protest.
The protestors are steadfast in their demand for the rollback of anti-farmer policies, including the privatization of agricultural markets. They also called on the Bhagwant Mann government to take decisive action in support of farmers. Pandher indicated that a Delhi march would be announced soon as part of their ongoing agitation.
The meeting was attended by prominent leaders, including Jaswinder Singh Longowal, Tejbir Singh Panjokhra Sahib, Malkit Singh Gulamiwala, Bibi Sukhwinder Kaur, and others. The unity among diverse organizations highlights the growing momentum of the protest.
