The tumultuous saga of the farmers' protest in India continues to unfold, punctuated by a complex interplay of demands, actions, and reactions. In the wake of a temporary pause in their journey towards Delhi, the protesting farmers have reignited their resolve, braving formidable security measures. As tensions simmer between the farmers, represented by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), and the security apparatus along the Haryana-Punjab border, the central government's steadfast stance on key demands adds fuel to the fire.
The protesting farmers had announced a temporary halt last evening and vowed to resume their journey towards Delhi today, determined to advance despite facing significant security measures, authorities are concerned the farmers might attempt to breach the barricades once more today.
Amid escalating tensions between farmers associated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and security forces along the Haryana-Punjab border on Tuesday, the Central government reiterated its stance that fulfilling the farmers' primary demand for a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) is not feasible.
The SKM has urged all its member organisations nationwide to vehemently protest the assault on farmers in Punjab on February 16th, organising protests in every village across India and intensifying the nationwide ‘Grameen Bandh’ and ‘Industrial/Sectoral Strike’ for greater impact and success. Additionally, they have penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the immediate withdrawal of forces and safeguarding farmers' rights to conduct the Delhi Chalo protest, advocating for dialogue to address the grievances of farmers and workers.
10 key points about the farmer’s protest:
On Tuesday, Haryana security forces utilised a drone to release tear gas shells in order to scatter farmers attempting to breach barricades and advance towards Delhi to assert their demands from the Central government. According to farmers, the unmanned aerial vehicle discharged multiple tear gas canisters while they were positioned deep within Punjab territory. Punjab authorities have voiced their objections regarding Haryana's use of a drone to deploy tear gas shells on protesting farmers within Punjab's jurisdiction at the Shambhu border.
The farmers are demonstrating for several demands. While the government has acknowledged the majority of their requests, it has not agreed to three crucial ones: enacting legislation on Minimum Support Price (MSP), providing relief with farm loan waivers, and enforcing the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.
Security personnel deployed tear gas on protesting farmers Wednesday morning at the Shambhu border near Ambala as they attempted to resume their 'Dilli Chalo' demonstration. The farmers from Punjab aimed to breach barricades and march towards Delhi, prompting the response from Haryana authorities, who fired tear gas shells in the early morning.
On Wednesday, extensive traffic congestion was observed at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border as a result of the farmers' protest and heightened security measures implemented by authorities. The Singhu Border in Delhi is fortified with Rapid Action Force personnel, police officers, and Riot Control Vehicles in response to the ongoing farmers' protest.
On Tuesday, the Haryana government announced an extension of the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 15 due to the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' agitation by farmers. The affected districts include Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa.
Yesterday, Union Minister Anurag Thakur remarked that discussions are prolonged due to the farmers presenting additional demands. He appealed to them to refrain from engaging in violence and arson, and extended an invitation for further negotiations.
A one-month ban on public gatherings has been enforced throughout Delhi, along with restrictions on vehicle movement at border crossings. Police are conducting thorough checks on all vehicles.
Yesterday, numerous diversions at border points linking Delhi with its surrounding satellite towns resulted in a chaotic traffic situation. Commuters, primarily office workers, experienced prolonged delays as they were stuck for hours at various city border crossings due to slow-moving traffic.
Once more, there is discord between the Centre and the Delhi government regarding the farmers' protest. The Arvind Kejriwal administration has rejected the Centre's suggestion to repurpose a stadium into a "holding area" to detain protesters in case they breach the city limits.
The police have strengthened security measures in Delhi by erecting concrete barriers and installing tyre deflators at the borders. However, the initial confrontation took place at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, serving as the primary battleground yesterday.
