Chandigarh : In a massive mobilization, scores of farmers who embarked on a journey towards Chandigarh in over 3,000 vehicles, including tractor-trollies, mini buses, and buses, on Saturday morning, reached here on Sunday. This marks the commencement of a three-day protest organized by farmers’ unions under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which began on Sunday in commemoration of the third anniversary of the historic ‘Dilli Chalo’ agitation of 2020.
Having spent the night in gurdwaras at Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Patiala, and Mohali, the farmers are set to march from IISER Chowk towards Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh on Sunday morning. The focal point of their demonstration will be on Jagatpura road, Mohali, along the Mohali-Chandigarh border, a decision made in collaboration with Mohali SSP Dr Sandeep Garg.
The protesters aim to meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Governor, expressing their demands. The timing for the meeting is yet to be finalized, according to Raminder Singh Patiala, a union leader of Kirti Kisan Union.
Reflecting on the previous ‘Dilli Chalo’ agitation on November 26, 2020, where farmers faced resistance while marching towards Delhi borders against the Centre’s agri-marketing laws, the SKM now plans similar protests but directed towards the Raj Bhavans in state capitals. Dr. Darshan Pal of the SKM stated, “It’s Chandigarh Chalo instead of ‘Dilli Chalo’ this time.”
Addressing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Dr. Pal clarified, “Our three-day protest is against the Central Government, and protesting for our demands is our constitutional right.” Raminder Singh Patiala highlighted the preparations made by protesters, including trollies equipped for overnight stays, complete with sound systems, carpets, and all necessities to set up a stage.
The joint effort involves 32 farmers’ unions of Punjab, five farmers’ outfits, and Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan). Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, the general secretary of BKU Ugrahan, informed that around 1,500 vehicles from BKU Ugrahan alone are part of the protest, carrying essential supplies for the demonstration.
As Chandigarh serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, farmers from Haryana are also expected to march towards Raj Bhavan on Sunday. The protest has prompted traffic diversions, short terminations of trains, and increased security measures.
Manjit Singh Dhaner, president BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner faction), stated, “Let’s see how the Punjab government will react to our march. Though it is against the central government, still they will stop us from entering the Union Territory as per past experiences. Hence we are prepared for everything.”
The farmers aim to submit a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, reminding him of promises made in December 2021 when the Dilli Morcha was lifted from the Delhi borders after the repeal of farm laws. Key demands include the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP), punishment for BJP leaders involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, quashing of FIRs lodged during farmers’ agitation, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during the agitation.
Kokrikalan emphasised, “We will start dharna wherever we will be stopped. I repeat.”
Meanwhile, trollies and other vehicles from Amritsar, Taran Taran, Barnala, Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Mansa, and Bathinda are already en route to the capital city.
