Farmer leaders demand release of detained protesters in Gohana amid escalating tensions
Farm Unions defy SC Panel as Farmers resist forced land acquisition in Haryana
Ferozepur, November 5, 2024: Farmer leaders representing 12 unions affiliated with the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) have called for the immediate release of farmers detained during a peaceful protest in Gohana, Haryana. The farmers were advocating for fair compensation for land acquisitions by corporate entities when local authorities intervened, leading to their detention. The farm unions defying the SC Panel had resisted forced land acquisition in Haryana.
Tajveer Singh Panjokhra, a prominent farmer leader, emphasised that the agitation would intensify if the detained farmers were not released and genuine compensation was not assured for the land taken from them.
In a significant development, these unions have also announced their refusal to cooperate with a Supreme Court-formed panel established on September 2 to address agricultural issues, including the demand for a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). This decision stems from widespread frustration within the farming community regarding what they perceive as ineffective government mediation. The MSP issue was a central catalyst for the large-scale protests two years ago, and farmers remain adamant about its formalisation.
Tensions have escalated further in Gohana, particularly in Kola village, where local authorities attempted to seize farmland for a gas pipeline project without compensating the affected farmers. This action has sparked strong opposition from members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) and women farmers, who staged protests denouncing the government's actions as unjust.
With no resolution in sight, farmer unions are preparing for large-scale protests aimed at pressuring the government to guarantee MSP and halt forced land acquisitions. This ongoing standoff highlights the widening gap between government policies and farmers' demands regarding agrarian rights.
Tajveer Singh also informed that Jagjit Singh Dallewal - has been a follower of social activist Anna Hazare, as people have seen him going on hunger strikes to get his demands fulfilled. Has announced plans to begin a hunger strike at the start of the Parliament session. He stated that the movement would persist until their 13 demands were met, including a push to reach Delhi via Haryana to register their protest with the central government.