Farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal addressed the media at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, highlighting their concerns and grievances regarding the government’s proposal. Despite the government’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for five years, the farmers have rejected this offer, stating that it does not address their core concerns.

Amarinder Singh, the former Chief Minister of Punjab, recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a range of issues concerning Punjab, particularly those related to farmers. This meeting comes amid ongoing protests by farmers, who have been demanding various reforms and assurances from the central government.

The farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, which aims to press the Centre for their demands, has faced several challenges, including clashes with security forces. In response to the government’s proposal, farmer leaders have announced their intention to continue their march towards Delhi on Wednesday, February 21. They have urged the government to either address their concerns or allow them to proceed with their peaceful protest.

The demands of the protesting farmers include a legal guarantee on MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases related to the protests, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They also seek the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during previous agitations.

The rejection of the government’s proposal has led to renewed tensions at the borders surrounding Delhi. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha Haryana has demanded the release of detained farmers and the restoration of mobile internet services in seven districts of the state.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has called on the Punjab government to make decisions in the interest of the farmers. Meanwhile, farmer groups from Noida and Greater Noida have announced plans to march to Delhi on Friday, demanding developed plots and increased compensation for their acquired land.

Protesting farmers are currently encamped approximately 200 kilometers from Delhi, facing multiple fortifications and barriers, including concrete blocks, barbed wire, nail strips, and metal barricades. They are currently stationed at the Shambhu border crossing between Punjab and Haryana.

The rejection of the government’s proposal by the protesting farmers underscores the deep-rooted issues and demands that have fueled the ongoing protests. As the farmers continue their march towards Delhi, the possibility of further disruptions and clashes with security forces remains a concern.

By – Kashish Jain

Anticipating a farmer’s protest on February 13, Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories starting Monday. Traffic restrictions and diversions were enforced at the Singhu border with Haryana, with commuters advised to seek alternative routes. Barricades and increased police checks were evident along the Ghazipur border.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and various farmer associations are mobilizing for the protest, primarily demanding a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Over 90% of participants are expected from Haryana and Delhi, prompting both administrations to make arrangements for crowd control.

Section 144 is active at various locations, including the Delhi border, with stern warnings of legal action against attempts to breach the national capital. Stringent measures, such as strong barricades and tear gas preparations, have been implemented.

Traffic disruptions in Delhi-NCR are impacting commuters. In preparation for the march, Delhi Metro closed some gates at eight stations for security reasons, affecting daily routines for locals. Delhi police are strategically deployed at the Delhi-UP Apsara border to deter protesting farmers. Union Minister Arjun Munda expressed concern for farmers’ interests and willingness for discussions.

The Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee dismissed Congress party support, holding them equally accountable for contentious laws. Following an inconclusive five-hour meeting with Union ministers, farmers remain resolute in commencing their “Delhi Chalo” march on Tuesday morning, emphasizing their demand for a law guaranteeing a minimum support price for crops. Skepticism lingers regarding the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances.