Farmers in Punjab stage rail roko ahead of talks with Centre today. As their standoff with the Union government intensifies on Day 3 of the protest:
Farmers in Punjab occupied train tracks at railway stations, amplifying their demands for MSP and other key issues. Amidst the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo‘ march, both the Centre and farmer leaders are preparing for a third round of discussions. Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai are scheduled to hold a video conference with representatives of the protesting farmer unions later today.
Due to unsuccessful prior discussions, farmers initiated their protest march on Tuesday, February 13.
According to sources cited by news agency PTI:
senior Union Ministers, such as Rajnath Singh and Arjun Munda, convened on Wednesday to address the ongoing farmers’ protests and related issues. The details of the meeting are yet to be disclosed. Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, a former agriculture minister, discussed various farmer concerns with Munda, who currently oversees the Agriculture Ministry and has been engaged in previous discussions with farmer groups.
Nationwide Strike Called:
Harmeet Singh Kadian of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab Chapter announced a nationwide strike for February 16. Additionaly, Protests are scheduled at toll plazas across Punjab on February 15 from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Clashes and Demonstrations:
Security forces at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana used tear gas to disperse farmers attempting to breach barricades. On the other hand, Some protesters retaliated by throwing stones, while a few flew kites in an effort to down a police drone monitoring the protests.
Border Fortification and Continued Demonstrations:
Haryana Police fortified the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border with barricades, hindering farmers from proceeding to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys. Despite clashes and injuries reported on the first day of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, demonstrations persist.
Security Measures and Traffic Advisories:
The Delhi Police cautioned of heavy traffic on the DND Flyway due to security checks and advised commuters to seek alternate routes. At the same time, Barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls have been erected at strategic points around Delhi, including Ghazipur, Singhu, and Tikri, to impede the farmers’ advance.
Demands of the Protesting Farmers:
- Protesting farmers are advocating for a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations
- Pensions for farmers and farm laborers
- Farm debt forgiveness
- Justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
