Why November 26 is Significant for Farmers: A Look Back at the 2020 Protests

The historic farmer protests against the three contentious farm laws in 2020 may have officially concluded with their repeal in 2021. Yet, four years later, the echoes of that agitation persist, with farmers continuing to voice their demands at the borders of Punjab.

The Significance of November 26

On November 26, 2020, farmers across India rallied under the “Dilli Chalo” call to protest three farm laws that were enacted in September of that year. This date holds historical significance as it marked the beginning of one of the largest and longest-running protests in independent India.

The movement was spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition formed on October 20, 2020, under the aegis of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC). Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, soon joined by those from other states, marched to Delhi’s borders, defying barriers and braving water cannons and tear gas at key entry points like Shambhu, Khanauri, and Guhla Cheeka.

Over the next 13 months, farmers camped at the Singhu, Tikri, and Kundli borders, enduring harsh winters, scorching summers, and a pandemic. Tragically, the protests claimed the lives of nearly 750 farmers due to health issues and accidents, with the majority of casualties reported from Punjab.

On November 19, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of the farm laws on the occasion of Gurpurab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The formal repeal occurred in November 2021, but farmers continued their sit-in until December 9, 2021, securing written commitments on key demands before returning home.

Post-Protest Promises and Continuing Demands

The government had assured the protesting farmers that a committee would be formed to explore a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), FIRs filed during the protests would be withdrawn, and the perpetrators of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence would face justice. However, these promises largely remain unfulfilled.

“November 26 has become a historic day for us,” said Dr. Darshan Pal, a national coordination committee member of the SKM. “It reminds us of our struggle and the ongoing fight for the rights of crores of farmers across the country.” The day, along with December 9, is now observed annually as a tribute to the farmers’ resilience.

The Protests in 2024

The farmers’ agitation in 2024 has shifted focus to a 13-point agenda, with a legal guarantee for MSP as the central demand. Other issues include opposition to the Digital Agriculture Mission, concerns over privatization in public sector agriculture ventures, and a lack of accountability for past promises.

This year, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (Non-Political) called for another “Dilli Chalo” protest on February 13, but were met with resistance. The Haryana government erected walls and seven-layer barricades, while the police used tear gas to disperse protestors at Shambhu and Khanauri. On February 24, a young farmer, Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda, tragically lost his life.

In honor of the November 26 anniversary, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal had planned to begin a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border. While he was allegedly detained hours before the protest, farmers have continued to gather at the border and plan to march toward Delhi starting December 6.

The Road Ahead

Farmers’ demands remain pressing, with their 13-point agenda symbolizing broader issues in Indian agriculture. As November 26 becomes a symbol of defiance and unity, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges still faced by the agricultural community. Whether through dialogue or continued protest, the resolution of these issues remains critical for the millions who depend on farming for their livelihood.