Karnal, February 20: The ongoing farmers' protest demanding a service lane on the Karnal Ring Road continues to gain strength. A permanent provision of tea and water, along with langar, has now been established at the protest site, which will continue uninterrupted. This clearly indicates that the farmers are fully prepared for a long-term protest. They have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.
The protest, being conducted under the aegis of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), entered its 15th day on Friday. A large number of farmers from Mangalaura village arrived at the protest site today. Ravindra Kala Mangalaura presided over the protest. BKU Chairman Saheb Singh Bajwa specially attended the protest and encouraged the protesting farmers.
Addressing the farmers present at the protest site, Ravinder Kala Mangalaura, Vice President of the Karnal Development Block, stated that the demand for a service lane on the Ring Road is completely justified and is a serious issue affecting not just a few farmers or a couple of villages, but the people of dozens of villages. He stated that the construction of the service lane will directly benefit all residents of the area. Despite this, NHAI officials are consistently ignoring this legitimate demand.
Ravindra Kala Mangalaura stated bluntly that NHAI officials are adopting an adamant attitude and have clearly reneged on their previous promises. He stated that this breach of promise will not be tolerated at any cost. The farmers are expressing their views peacefully, but this does not mean that they are weak. He stated that the protest has now entered its 15th day, and the farmers have clearly decided to intensify the movement.
If a concrete decision in favor of the farmers is not taken soon, the movement will expand to a larger scale. He warned that the farmers' patience should not be tested. This movement is being carried out out of compulsion, and if necessary, the farmers will not shy away from fighting a do-or-die battle.

**Future strategy to be discussed**
BKU spokesperson Surendra Sangwan stated that block presidents and district executive officials have been invited to the protest site. All officials will arrive at the protest site at 11 am and will discuss the strategy for the upcoming movement in detail.
The farmers' unity and the arrangements made at the protest site have made it clear that the movement may drag on for much longer. The farmers are in a full-fledged fighting mood and have announced to intensify the movement until their demands are met.

**These were present**
On this occasion, BKU State President Ratanman, Deepak Badrahan Sohana, Babu Ram Sharma, Munish Badrahan, Pawan Maan, Amrit Maan, Om Prakash, Vedpal, Surendra Sangwan, Raju Sangwan, Mahendra Singh Mandhan, Satish Kumar Rindal, Joginder Singh Sheikhpura, Bhim Singh Sangwan, Deepak Sharma, Raj Kumar, Krishnachand Numberdar, Hawa Singh, Shakti Singh, Balbir Tewatia, Balram and Ramkumar along with a large number of farmers were present.