Pandher also made an emotional appeal to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, urging him to end his hunger strike.

Chandigarh: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has announced the postponement of the planned farmers’ march to Delhi, initially scheduled to begin on January 21, by five days. The march, which was set to feature a group of 101 farmers—referred to as a 'jatha'—will now commence on January 26. Pandher urged the government to initiate talks promptly to address farmers’ concerns.

“This is not a condition but a heartfelt request to the government to open channels for dialogue,” said Pandher during a press conference.

Appeal to Jagjit Singh Dallewal

Pandher also made an emotional appeal to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, urging him to end his hunger strike. “I request him to have food and present his viewpoint before the Centre. Hunger strikes weaken the body but dialogue strengthens the movement,” he said.

Call for Unity

The decision to delay the march and Pandher’s appeal are seen as efforts to maintain unity among farmers while emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement with the government. The farmers’ collective has been pressing for various demands, including the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the withdrawal of cases against farmers from the previous agitation.

March Rescheduled for Republic Day

The decision to hold the march on January 26, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations, is expected to draw significant attention to the farmers’ cause. Pandher clarified that the delay was a strategic move to give the government time to respond while maintaining the farmers’ resolve to continue their struggle.

As the farmer unions await a response from the Centre, the rescheduling of the march signals their willingness to seek dialogue over confrontation, underscoring their commitment to peaceful advocacy for their rights.