KMSC massive convoy bolsters Shambhu Morcha amid ongoing farmer protests
Ferozepur/Shambhu, January 30, 2025: In a significant show of solidarity, thousands of farmers and labourers from Amritsar district, under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) Punjab, advanced towards the Shambhu Border Morcha. Departing from Beas Bridge early in the morning, the convoy, comprising hundreds of tractor trolleys, reached its destination by afternoon. State leader Sarwan Singh Pandher provided these details during a media interaction.
Pandher highlighted that participants began assembling near Beas Bridge the previous day, with numbers swelling into the night.The convoy embarked on its journey around 8 AM. En route, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba), led by State President Manjit Singh Rai and State Secretary Satnam Singh Sahni, organized a langar at Nangal Saprod near Jalandhar to support the marchers.
Upon reaching Rajpura, farmer leaders Dilbagh Singh Gill and Tejbir Singh Panjokhra honored the convoy leaders with traditional siropas.Pandher addressed misconceptions propagated by certain intellectuals favoring governmental narratives, emphasizing that the widespread participation dispels such myths.
Condemning the recent vandalism of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's statue in Amritsar, Pandher suggested that divisive forces might be behind such acts and speculated potential involvement of the BJP government.
Reflecting on the tragic stampede at the Kumbh Mela, he called for a thorough investigation. Pandher urged the government to recognize the unwavering resolve of the people, stating that the movement will persist until demands are met.
Added here, the farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26, 2024. As of January 30, 2025, this marks the 66th day of his protest. Dallewal's hunger strike is part of a broader movement advocating for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, among other demands. Despite the prolonged duration of his fast and concerns over his health, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause.
Key demands include: Enacting a law to guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, aligning with the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. Providing 200 days of work annually and a daily wage of ₹700 for laborers under the MGNREGA scheme. Implementing a comprehensive crop insurance scheme. Waiving all debts of farmers and farm laborers. Enforcing the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard tribal communities' rights to water, forests, and land.
Notably, the protest has been ongoing for over 350 days, with prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike reaching its 21st day. Despite deteriorating health, Dallewal remains steadfast in his commitment to the cause.
The convoy to Shambhu included numerous farmer and labor leaders, such as Ranjit Singh Kler Bala, Jarmanjit Singh Bandala, Baz Singh Sarangra, Baldev Singh Bagga, Kandhar Singh Bhoywal, and Kuljit Singh Kale, all converging to reinforce the ongoing protest.