22 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan have begun assembling at the Shambhu border to commemorate the 100th day of their agitation for guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). Despite the scorching heat, the farmers’ resolve remains unbroken, exemplified by individuals like 98-year-old Mahinder Singh from Gurdaspur, who will be a torchbearer for the protest. Another inspiring figure is 85-year-old Raj Singh, who bicycled from Gurdaspur to the protest site.
A special tribute is planned for the 22 farmers who have died during the 100-day protest, including 22-year-old Shubhkaran Singh, a symbol of the movement. His image adorns several tents, pandals, and tractor-trailers at the Shambhu border.
Since early morning, farmers have been arriving at the protest site. A large pandal has been set up, resembling the traditional “Pind Di Satth,” a communal space in villages for discussions. Numerous smaller tents have also been erected nearby. The tractor-trailers, equipped with tarpaulin sheets, fans, and refrigerators, have been transformed into makeshift homes.
Despite temperatures soaring to around 45 degrees Celsius and a severe heatwave warning from the Meteorological Department, farm leaders anticipate a turnout of approximately 40,000 farmers. The Punjab Police have established checkpoints to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
Amarjeet Singh Mohri, president of the BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) Haryana, and Jaat leader Ashok Bulara, discussed the protest strategy for Wednesday. They emphasized the demands for legal MSP status, total debt waiver for farmers and agricultural workers, social security of Rs 10,000 per month, justice for Lakhimpur Kheri farmers, and a government-funded crop insurance scheme.
The farmers’ determination and solidarity remain strong as they continue to fight for their rights under challenging conditions.