On completion of 200 days of the farmers’ movement, a new enthusiasm was seen at the Shambhu border. On this special occasion, Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat stood shoulder to shoulder with the farmers. Let us know the whole story of this farmers’ movement and the reason for Vinesh’s support.
Vinesh Phogat: A New hope for farmers
Vinesh Phogat, who reached the Shambhu border on Saturday, was warmly welcomed by the farmers. She was honored by garlanding her. Raising her voice in favor of the farmers, Vinesh said, “Farmers have been sitting here for their rights for a long time, but their courage has not diminished even now. I myself am from a farmer family and I am proud of this.” She further said, “When we raise our voice for our demands, it is not always political. The government should listen to us. It is not just a matter of caste or any one issue. I pray that you get your rights.”
This support of Vinesh has proved to give new energy to the farmers’ movement. A famous player standing with the farmers in this way shows that this issue is not limited to farmers only, but is affecting the whole country.
Farmers’ movement: A long journey of 200 days
This movement of farmers on the Shambhu border has been going on for the last 200 days. During this time there were many ups and downs, but the demands of the farmers are still not met. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “Our movement is peaceful, but we are firm on our demands. The central government is testing our resolve.” Currently, about 400 farmers are camping at the Shambhu border.
However, some farmers had returned to their fields at the time of planting the crop. The sad thing is that so far more than 24 farmers have lost their lives during this movement. In these 200 days, farmers have faced many difficulties. Be it the scorching heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter, rainy season or Corona epidemic, farmers stood firm for their demands. This is a symbol of their resolve and unity.
Major demands of farmers: Plea for justice
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha are leading this farmers’ movement. Their main demands are:
- Guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 24 crops: Farmers want the government to guarantee a minimum price for their crops, so that they can get a fair price for their hard work.
- Monthly pension for elderly farmers and laborers: Pension is being demanded to ensure a dignified life for elderly farmers and farm laborers.
- Farmers’ loan waiver: Many farmers are burdened with debt. They want the government to waive their loans so that they can make a new start.
Apart from these demands, farmers are also demanding the withdrawal of new agricultural laws. They believe that these laws will benefit big companies and small farmers will suffer.
Stand of government and judiciary
The Supreme Court has also gotten involved in this matter. In the last hearing, the court had directed the government to continue talks with the farmers. The Punjab and Haryana governments had also submitted the report of the meeting held with the farmers to the court.
The next hearing is to be held on September 2. The government says that it is ready to listen to the farmers, but it is not possible to withdraw the new agricultural laws. On the other hand, farmer leaders believe that the government is not taking their demands seriously.
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