How do 101 farmers on foot pose threat to national peace, asks Pandher

Farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher questions, 'While Parliament discusses the Constitution, do Shambhu and Khanauri follow a different Constitution?'

IANS

Chandigarh, Updated At : 02:39 PM Dec 14, 2024 IST

Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher with others addresses a press conference at the Shambhu Border amid the ongoing protest by farmers, December 13, 2024. PTI

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday questioned the government's stance, asking how a group of 101 farmers walking on foot towards Delhi could be considered a threat to national peace and order.

Dwelling on the decision of Working President of the All India Kisan Congress and wrestler, Bajrang Punia, to join the farmers, he said that they have no problem with a sportsperson or celebrity joining the stir, but want to keep political parties away.

Ahead of the 'Dilli Chalo' foot march, Pandher compared the ongoing farmers' protest to the Parliament's Constitution debate.

“Only 101 farmers will head towards Delhi today at 12 pm. Every movement has its purpose. Despite the government's efforts and military barriers, our voices have reached 140 crore citizens. The voice of Shambhu and Khanauri is resonating across the country, and the Prime Minister must respect this voice,” Pandher told IANS.

He further questioned, “While Parliament discusses the Constitution, do Shambhu and Khanauri follow a different Constitution? How can 101 individuals walking peacefully, pose a threat to peace and order?”

Pandher also expressed concern over the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days at the Khanauri border.

“His condition is critical. The entire country is worried, yet the Prime Minister seems indifferent,” he remarked.

Dwelling on the decision of wrestler Bajrang Punia to join the farmers, Pandher said that they have no issue with a sportsperson or celebrity joining the stir, but want to keep political parties away.

He also stated that they expect to convince farmers from other organisations, who have stayed out of the stir till now, to join the movement.

The farmers are resuming their march to demand the fulfilment of their long-pending issues, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and loan waivers.

Since February 13, the farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, following the government's efforts to halt their previous attempts to reach Delhi. The protest is being held under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.