Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court emphasized its open-door policy on Wednesday, inviting suggestions or demands from protesting farmers, either directly or through authorized representatives. This statement followed the Punjab government’s report of unsuccessful mediation efforts with Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a farmer leader on hunger strike at the Khanauri border, and other protestors.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, about multiple discussions held with farmers who declined to engage with the high-powered committee appointed by the court in September. The committee, led by retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Nawab Singh, had extended an invitation for talks on December 17, which the farmers rejected.
The court clarified, “The court’s doors are always open to any suggestion or demand by farmers directly or through their authorized representative.” It also expressed concern over Dallewal’s health and directed the Punjab government to provide immediate medical assistance.
Farmers Reject SC-Appointed Committee
Farmers dismissed the Supreme Court-appointed committee, citing its inefficacy in addressing grievances. Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated that unions at the Khanauri border unanimously decided not to engage with the committee.
“Any talks henceforth will only be with the central government, provided they are willing,” said Pandher, highlighting the farmers’ distrust. In a letter to Justice Nawab Singh, Dallewal criticized the committee for its delay, questioning, “Was this committee waiting for my demise?”
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) announced that future discussions would solely involve the central government.
Rail Roko Protest Disrupts Train Services
On Wednesday, farmers intensified their protest with a three-hour ‘Rail Roko’ agitation, disrupting train operations across Punjab. Organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the demonstrations aimed to pressure the central government into fulfilling demands, including a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and laborers, and withdrawal of police cases.
Protests occurred at multiple locations, including Moga, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur. Farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February, advocating for various issues such as compensation for deceased farmers’ families and amendments to the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.
