Farmers ‘Chalo Dilli’ march Highlights: The ongoing farmers’ protest has been temporarily halted for two days following a tragic incident at the Khanauri border today, where a protester succumbed to a fatal head injury. Additionally, a number of farmers sustained injuries during clashes with the Haryana Police, who deployed tear gas shells at both the Shambhu and Khanauri border areas. In light of these developments, protest leaders have decided to assess the situation thoroughly and will announce the future course of action on Friday evening.
The farmers had previously rejected the government’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years. Since beginning their march on February 13, thousands of farmers have been stopped at the Haryana border, where police have fired tear gas. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march has been organised by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to press for their demands, including MSP assurance and farm loan waivers.
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In anticipation of the resumption of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, Delhi Police have heightened security measures in the national capital on Wednesday. They have instructed personnel to maintain strict vigilance at Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur borders following the announcement by protesting farmers to continue their agitation.
VIDEO | Heavy security, barricading at Delhi's Tikri Border in view of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.#FarmersProtest
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 21, 2024
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Farmers leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that their top leaders would move forward, and the entire world would witness their peaceful progress. He mentioned that if the government believed that resolving issues involved harming farmers, they could do so. However, he emphasised their commitment to peaceful advancement as farmers resumed the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march from the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border.
VIDEO | Masks, gloves and safety suits being distributed at Punjab-Haryana #Shambhuborder as agitating farmers prepare to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' march.#FarmersProtest
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 21, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Z3HDbJXYIa
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, ahead of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Wednesday, urged the central government not to oppress farmers and allow them to march peacefully. He stated, “We have told the government that you can kill us, but please don’t oppress the farmers. We request the Prime Minister to come forward and put an end to this protest by announcing a law on MSP guarantee for the farmers… The country will not forgive such a government,” he said.
Farmers, who have been protesting at two border points between Punjab and Haryana, are set to resume their “Delhi Chalo” march today i.e. Wednesday at 11 am. On Sunday, they rejected the Centre’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at the MSP by government agencies for five years.
Since February 13, thousands of farmers, who initiated their march to Delhi, were halted at the Haryana border, leading to clashes with security personnel. These farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri points between Punjab and Haryana since then.
What farmers are demanding?
Farmers from Punjab, who commenced their march towards Delhi on February 13 but were halted by security forces at Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border, are protesting to press the Centre to meet their demands. These include the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, the provision of pensions for farmers and labourers, debt forgiveness for farmers, prevention of an increase in electricity charges, withdrawal of police cases, seeking justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the previous protest in 2020-21.