The ongoing farmers’ protest takes a new turn as thousands from Punjab gear up to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Wednesday, intensifying their demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP) support for all crops. The farmers, stationed at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, decided to restart the agitation following the failure of the fourth round of talks with the central government. The rejection of the government’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years has further fueled the protest.
Protesters brought proclain machine to use in farmers' protest pic.twitter.com/xOFUnNdR3B
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 20, 2024
Estimated Gathering and Transportation
The central government estimates approximately 14,000 people gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border, with the protesters traveling in 1200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses. Additionally, the home ministry permits 4500 individuals with 500 tractors to assemble at the Dhabi-Gujran barrier.
#WATCH | Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher says, "…We have told the govt 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 the MSP guarantee for the farmers…The… pic.twitter.com/pwBEiPH9RX
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2024
Farmers Protest – Security Concerns and Letter to Punjab Government
The Ministry of Home Affairs expresses concern about the deteriorating law-and-order situation, alleging that miscreants disguised as farmers engage in stone-pelting and mobilize heavy machinery. A letter has been dispatched to the Punjab government, addressing the need to address the escalating situation.
Objections to Heavy Equipment Usage
The home ministry raises objections to the use of tractors, JCB machines, and other heavy equipment during protests, emphasizing the potential risks associated with these tools.
Farmers Protest – March Rejection and Previous Clashes
Farmers reject the government’s proposal to procure certain crops at MSP for five years, deeming it against their interests. Clashes with the Haryana police last week, involving barbed wires, concrete barricades, and tear gas, add tension to the situation.
Farmer Leader’s Response
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, accuses the government of attempting to halt the march at any cost. He highlights the use of force, including bullets on tractor tires, and demands accountability for such actions.
Farmers Protest – Deployment of Heavy Machinery
Reports suggest farmers, unable to break through police defenses, bring in heavy machinery like excavators and JCB machines. Special precautions are taken to protect operators from rubber bullets, and farmers equip themselves with anti-riot gear, including gas masks
Police Preparations and Traffic Chaos
Police plan to block the farmers’ way using shipping containers, deploying 8000 security personnel at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders. Multiple layers of barriers, including concrete, barbed wires, and iron nails, aim to prevent tractors from entering the national capital, contributing to expected traffic chaos.
Farmers Protest – Routes Planned by Farmers
The protesting farmers plan to approach Delhi through two routes: Shambhu, Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat, and Khanouri, Jind, and Rohtak, highlighting their determination to reach the national capital and voice their demands.
