IN PHOTOS: Sarwan Singh Pandher says farmers will march to Delhi on Feb 21 if their needs are not met

Farmers' leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has declared that despite the government's efforts to thwart their entry into Delhi, protesters are determined to proceed with their 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 21. Pics/ PTI

Updated On: 2024-02-20 02:54 PM IST

Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande

Protesters led by Sarwan Singh Pandher plan to go ahead with the 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 21, despite government resistance.

Pandher, while speaking to the media, accused the government of obstructing their peaceful demonstration and demanded that farmers be allowed to exercise their right to protest.

The leader condemned the use of force, including shelling and bullets on tractors, during previous attempts to reach Delhi.

The statement came after the farmer leaders on Monday rejected the proposal brought by Union government which stated that it will purchase crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP); the farmers said it had nothing for them.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that the proposal lacked substance and failed to address farmers' concerns.

The absence of a legal guarantee for MSP was deemed unacceptable, leaving farmers feeling marginalised and vulnerable to exploitation, he added. 

Despite several rounds of discussions, including the recent meeting on February 15, no consensus has been reached between the protesting farmers and government representatives. 

The farmers' demands encompass a wide range of issues, including legal assurances for MSPs, loan waivers, and expansion of MSP coverage to include oilseeds and Bajra.

As tensions escalate, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni has warned that if the government fails to meet their demands by February 21, the agitation will intensify, with Haryana joining the protest ranks.

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