On the eve of International Women’s Day, women farmers will lead the ongoing protest at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, where demonstrators have camped for nearly a month. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced celebrations at both border points, emphasizing the significant participation of women farmers. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement, initiated on February 13, seeks government adherence to 12 key demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops.
Despite the farmers’ peaceful protests, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana police have enforced stringent measures to control the situation, citing potential threats to law and order. On the 25th day of protests, Pandher expressed disappointment with the government’s lack of attention to their concerns, highlighting their expectations during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Kashmir.
As International Women’s Day unfolded, visuals from Punjab-Haryana’s Shambhu border showcased farmers, along with their trucks and vehicles, amid heightened security. However, Section 144 has been imposed in Delhi until March 12, prohibiting unauthorized gatherings and assemblies. The Delhi police have also banned the entry of tractor trolleys, trucks, and vehicles carrying items like sticks, lathis, pandas, swords, and spears.
Acknowledging the nationwide scope of the protest, Pandher revealed the Centre’s admission and accused the government of detaining hundreds of farmers heading to Delhi from various states. He emphasized that the heavy deployment of forces in Delhi signifies the protest’s expansion beyond Punjab and Haryana.
The farmers’ perseverance, marked by women taking the lead on International Women’s Day, underscores their commitment to addressing agricultural concerns and urging the government to prioritize their demands. The situation remains tense as security measures persist, revealing the ongoing challenges faced by the protesting farmers in their quest for a favorable resolution.
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