Farmers’ Mahapanchayat in Pipli intensifies, agitation reaches 223rd Day, plans nationwide rail blockade on Oct 3
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, September 22, 2024: As scheduled, the Mahapanchayat of farmers was held at Pipli over a gathering of thousands of farmers. Notably, farmers are protesting at the Shambhu border near Ambala and have been camping there since February 13 the agitation has entered its 223rd day today and announced a nationwide rail blockade on October 3 over the pending demands.
In a show of unity and strength, thousands of farmers gathered in Pipli for a Mahapanchayat organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Bharatiya Kisan Union Shaheed Bhagat Singh faction. The event, which saw significant participation from farmers across Haryana and Punjab, including a large contingent from Ferozepur, aimed to counter Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement that only a handful of farmers are protesting.
Despite being the peak season for paddy cultivation, farmers came in droves to attend the Mahapanchayat, which saw a particularly strong turnout of women, highlighting the widespread support for the farmers' movement. This gathering marks the 223rd day of the ongoing agitation, which has previously seen a successful Mahapanchayat in Jind.
Leaders at the Mahapanchayat did not hold back in their criticism of the central and Haryana governments, asserting that the massive turnout must have caused concern among those in power. "Our demands are morally justified. We are here to remind the government to engage in dialogue with us on the issues of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and to demand that India withdraws from the WTO if necessary," said a leader addressing the gathering.
The farmers also urged their counterparts in Haryana to remember the government's stance during the protests when casting their votes in the upcoming elections. "The way to political power lies through the streets of villages. It is time for the government to acknowledge the strength and resolve of the farmers," another speaker declared.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, one of the key leaders, called on the farmers to strengthen the movement. "We will not rest until our demands are met. The Haryana farmers are wise enough to hold the government accountable for its actions over the past decade," he said. He reminded the gathering of the tragic death of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh who was killed by a firearm injury during the "Dilli Chalo" protest at the Khanauri border on February 21, 2024 and and emphasized that it is time to take electoral revenge for the atrocities committed against farmers.
Pandher also announced that on October 3, railway tracks across the nation would be blocked for two hours as a mark of protest, and warned other political parties that they would face similar opposition from farmers if they continued to disregard their demands.
The Mahapanchayat concluded with a call for unity and a promise to intensify the agitation until the government meets their demands, underscoring the message that the farmers' struggle is far from over.