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Farmers’ protest hits Day 5, talks with Centre tomorrow

Farmers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, have resumed their protest on the fifth day of their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march initiated on Tuesday. Demanding a legal assurance for minimum support price (MSP). The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced plans to escalate the agitation in the following days, coinciding with various groups, including trade unions, observing a nationwide strike called ‘Bharat Bandh’ on Friday.

On Saturday, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) staged protests outside the homes of three prominent BJP leaders in Punjab and also demonstrated at toll plazas within the state. Nevertheless, all attention will be on Sunday, as Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai are scheduled to engage in a fourth round of discussions with farmer representatives in an effort to resolve the deadlock.

Government’s Fourth Round of Talks with Farmer Leaders Scheduled for Sunday:

Government representatives and farmer leaders will convene for a fourth round of discussions on Sunday. Previous meetings on February 8, 12, and 15 failed to yield a breakthrough. The government is expected to propose the formation of a committee. It will compromise officials and farmer representatives, to address the farmers’ demands.

Stalemate Persists as Farmer Leaders Stand Firm on MSP Guarantee:

Despite meetings on February 8, 12, and 15, no resolution was reached. As farmers continue to insist on a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for crops.

Haryana Police Officer Dies Amid Farmers’ Protest:

A Haryana Police sub-inspector stationed at the Shambhu border passed away suddenly while on duty. The officer, Hira Lal, attached to the Haryana Railway Police, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his health deterioration.

‘Bharat Bandh’ Disrupts Normalcy:

The ‘Bharat Bandh’ affected commuters as buses remained off the roads, and markets shut down in several areas across the state. Farmers staged blockades on:

  • national highways
  • besieged toll plazas

and protested against the Centre’s reluctance to meet their demands.

Mixed Response to ‘Bharat Bandh’ in Haryana:

In Hisar, bus services were disrupted as Haryana Roadways staff supported the ‘Bharat Bandh.’ However, in Kurukshetra, shops remained open. Buses operated normally, with the bandh failing to gain significant traction.

Protests Extend to Western Uttar Pradesh:

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait participated in protests at various locations, including: The Bagovali crossing on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway in Muzaffarnagar.

Whereas, disruption of work at sugarcane weighing centers in Bijnor.

SKM Accuses Government of Deception:

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) criticized the government for alleged secret talks and failure to fulfill promises made during previous protests. They vowed to escalate the agitation in coordination with other groups.

Farmers’ Demands:

  • Legal guarantee for MSP
  • Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations
  • Pension for farmers,
  • Farm debt waiver
  • Other measures, including justice for victims of past violence and compensation for families of deceased farmers.

‘Bharat Bandh’ Called by SKM:

The SKM called for the ‘Bharat Bandh’ to pressure the union government into accepting various demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for crops.