Farmer Leader Says Protest Duration Depends on Centre’s Response
Chandigarh: Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar stated on Thursday that the continuation of their protest depends entirely on the Centre’s willingness to address their demands. He emphasized that accepting these demands should not be an obstacle, particularly given the recommendation from a parliamentary panel to provide a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
With farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike entering its 38th day, Kohar expressed concern over Dallewal’s deteriorating health, highlighting that the protest leader had risked his life for the farmers’ cause.
Regarding the ongoing protests at Khanauri and Shambhu borders, Kohar remarked, “The decision rests with the Centre. If they fulfill our demands, the protest will end.”
Addressing the Supreme Court’s comments about some farmer leaders allegedly complicating matters with irresponsible statements, Kohar noted that they were still reviewing the court’s observations. He clarified that the farmer leaders had only echoed Dallewal’s sentiment that the Centre should fulfill the promises made to farmers.
Kohar pointed out that despite his declining health, Dallewal remained determined, offering to participate in a video conference during a Supreme Court hearing related to farmers’ issues. Kohar reiterated that the Supreme Court should direct the Centre to implement the recommendation for a legal guarantee of MSP, in line with the parliamentary panel’s advice.
The protests, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been ongoing at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, after their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces. Kohar further announced that a major gathering of farmers would take place on January 4, where Dallewal would deliver an important message.
In response to questions about Dallewal’s health and whether he would receive medical aid, Kohar stated that no decision had been made regarding medical intervention. He confirmed that Dallewal’s health had been severely impacted by his hunger strike, including weight loss, fluctuating blood pressure, and adverse effects on his kidney and liver functions.
Regarding the ongoing dialogue with the Punjab government, Kohar stated that once concrete developments occurred, the farmer leaders would clarify their stance. Meanwhile, farmer leaders from other states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, expressed their support for Dallewal’s hunger strike, condemning the Centre’s refusal to address the farmers’ demands.
