Punjab: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat stood in solidarity with protesting farmers at the Shambhu border on Saturday as their demand for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) reached a milestone—200 days of continuous protest.
The demonstration, which began on February 13 after authorities blocked the farmers’ march to Delhi, has also spread to other critical points at the Khanauri and Ratanpura borders.
“It has been 200 days since they are sitting here. It is painful to see this. All of them are citizens of this country. Farmers run the country,” Phogat was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Phogat, who recently visited the Golden Temple to pray for “strength and courage, health for all, and the safety of the nation,” later participated in the protest, which was earlier announced by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Amarjit Singh Mihir.
Phogat, who was disqualified from the 50kg final match at the Paris Games, expressed that visiting the Golden Temple and offering her prayers at Sikhism’s most revered shrine had been a deeply personal wish. During her visit, she was honored by Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Harpreet Singh with a model of the Golden Temple, who remarked, “She is the pride of India and deserves to be recognized.” He also emphasized that despite not securing a medal, she remains a champion and is destined to succeed in future competitions.
The leaders added that Phogat is expected to rally women to support the protest’s demands, highlighting that, given her recent treatment—her disqualification in the Paris Games final and the lack of robust support from Indian authorities—justice-seeking individuals must raise their voices for her. “The morcha will honor her during her participation, and Vinesh will share the challenges she has endured,” they stated.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a senior leader of the Kisan-Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, confirmed that the Kisan Andolan 2.0 is observing its 200th day today. A large number of farmers are expected to gather at the Shambhu and Khanuri borders, with preparations in place to accommodate the anticipated turnout.
The event will feature demands for the government of India and Haryana governments to reopen the borders, allowing farmers to continue their protests in Delhi. A key focus will be on urging the GoI to pass the MSP (Minimum Support Price) Guarantee Act.
Later, farmer organisations will hold a press conference to discuss their next steps and provide updates on their strategies.
The farmers’ protest began on February 13, 2024, with the primary goal of securing a minimum support price for crops. In response, the Haryana government implemented heightened security measures and closed the Shambhu border with barricades.
The closure has significantly disrupted traffic, particularly affecting traders in Ambala, prompting them to seek legal intervention from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The High Court directed the Haryana government to reopen the border, but the matter has since been escalated to the Supreme Court, which has ordered the maintenance of the status quo while negotiations continue between the Punjab and Haryana governments and the farmers. Two rounds of talks have been held, but no resolution has been reached.
In response to the ongoing stalemate, a high-level committee is being formed to act as a liaison between the farmers and the central government, aiming to facilitate discussions and negotiations.
Today’s gathering, along with the ongoing legal and political developments, highlights the persistence of the farmers’ movement and their continued demands for policy changes and government action.
