Long traffic jams at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border ensued on Wednesday due to the ongoing farmers’ protest and heightened security measures imposed by authorities. The increased security includes the deployment of Rapid Action Force personnel, police personnel, and Riot Control Vehicles at the Singhu Border in Delhi.
Intensified security at Shambhu Border:
Security arrangements at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, have been intensified following clashes between farmers and the police. Concrete reinforcement between slabs at the Tikri Border is also underway to strengthen the border amid the farmers’ march towards the national capital.
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Peaceful atmosphere with traffic diverted:
DSP Anil Kumar of Jhajjar, Haryana, stated that the situation is currently peaceful, with traffic diversions in place. He reported normal pedestrian movement amid the ongoing protests.
Demand for legal guarantee on MSP:
Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the farmers’ call for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to prevent selling crops below the specified rate. He urged the Prime Minister to engage in direct dialogue with the farmers.
Protest actions and detentions:
Protesting farmers attempted to breach barricades using tractors and hand weapons on Tuesday. The Haryana police detained several protestors, deploying various security measures such as concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, and police and paramilitary personnel at Kurukshetra.
Section 144 enforcement by Delhi Police:
To maintain law and order, Delhi police enforced Section 144, restricting the entry of tractor-trolleys and large assemblies during the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.
Demands presented by farmers:
The farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, including the enactment of a law guaranteeing MSP for all crops as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. Other demands include a complete debt waiver, a pension scheme for farmers and farm laborers, the scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020, and the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013.
Call for justice and compensation:
The protesting farmers demand justice for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings and seek compensation for families of farmers who died during the 2021 protests. They also advocate for 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), linked with farming.
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Appeal for support:
The protest, organized by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, is led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. The farmers call for solidarity in their struggle for justice and the fulfillment of their demands.
