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The ongoing farmers' protest in Punjab, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, received a high-profile boost with the participation of Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Expressing solidarity with the farmers, Phogat stated that she has come to support her 'family' (the farmers) and highlighted the urgency of resolving their issues, emphasizing that it should be the government's top priority. The protest, organized by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, has been ongoing since February 13th, with farmers camping at the inter-state boundaries between Haryana and Punjab. Their demand for a legal guarantee on MSP and a farm loan waiver remains at the forefront of their agitation.
Phogat's presence at the protest is significant, drawing attention to the farmers' struggle and adding weight to their demands. She underscored the importance of the government addressing the farmers' concerns, citing previous promises made during the year-long farmers' protest against farm laws, which remain unfulfilled. The prolonged nature of the protest, now spanning over 200 days, reflects the government's apparent inaction and unwillingness to engage with the farmers' concerns. Phogat's statement about feeling helpless at not being able to do more for the farmers, despite representing the country internationally, emphasizes the deep-rooted connection between athletes and the agricultural community in India.
The ongoing protest serves as a stark reminder of the deep divide between the government and the farming community, who form the backbone of the Indian economy. Despite multiple rounds of talks between the Union Government and farmer leaders, no concrete solutions have been reached, leaving the farmers feeling disregarded and their demands unaddressed. The lack of a law on MSP and the government's perceived indifference towards their other concerns fuel the farmers' frustration and reinforce their need to continue their protest. The situation highlights the urgent need for the government to prioritize the concerns of the farmers and find sustainable solutions to their long-standing demands.