Resumption of Farmers’ Protest: Latest Developments and Challenges.

At the Punjab-Haryana border, security forces fired tear gas shells Wednesday morning as farmers prepared to restart their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march, following unsuccessful talks with the Centre regarding minimum support price (MSP) assurances. Union Minister Arjun Munda, involved in previous negotiations with the farmers, reiterated willingness to engage in further discussions.

Munda wrote in Hindi.

“On X, following the fourth round, the government expressed readiness to address various issues including MSP demands, crop diversification, stubble burning, and FIR registration related to the 2020-21 protests in the upcoming fifth round of discussions. I extend another invitation to farmer leaders for dialogue. Let’s prioritize maintaining peace.”

During Farmers Protest Resumption, Haryana Police have urged their counterparts in Punjab to confiscate equipment brought by protesters to dismantle police barricades. Around 14,000 farmers, accompanied by:

1,200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses, have amassed along the border.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police are on high alert, conducting drills to secure entry points as farmers, halted at the interstate border since February 13, prepare to advance towards the national capital.

Both the Centre and the Haryana government sought intervention from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the farmers’ protest. However, their plea for an urgent hearing was denied.

In anticipation of the protest’s resumption, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher reiterated the farmers’ commitment to peaceful demonstration. He appealed to the government to remove barricades and allow them to proceed to Delhi without obstruction.

Pandher stated,

“We have made every effort from our end. We attended the meetings, discussed every point, and now the decision rests with the central government. We will maintain peace… We request the authorities to let us remove these barriers and march towards Delhi.”

Farmers Assemble at Shambhu Border:

Around 14,000 farmers have congregated at Shambhu on the Punjab-Haryana border, utilizing 1,200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses to travel to Delhi. Additionally, the Home Ministry estimates 4,500 protesters with 500 tractors at the Dhabi-Gujran border point.

Concerns Over Law and Order:

The Ministry of Home Affairs expressed concern to the Punjab government about the worsening law-and-order situation. Moreover, attributing it to miscreants posing as farmers. These individuals have engaged in stone-pelting and brought heavy machinery like bulldozers to the Shambhu border.

Traffic Congestion Expected:

Delhi’s three border points might experience traffic congestion on Wednesday due to road closures. Tikri and Singhu borders are heavily fortified with police personnel and concrete barricades. Ghazipur border might also be closed if necessary.

Demand for Legislation on MSP:

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher urged the Centre to convene a day-long Parliament session to enact legislation on MSP for crops. He emphasized the need for a law guaranteeing MSP and criticized the deployment of paramilitary personnel to halt their march.

Court Intervention and Farmers’ Intentions:

The Punjab and Haryana High Court instructed the Punjab government to prevent large gatherings of farmers, suggesting alternative modes of transportation to Delhi. Despite this, the ‘Delhi Chalo‘ march is set to resume as farmers rejected the government’s proposal and intend to proceed to the national capital.