Farmers Protest: As the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march initiated on February 13 continues, hundreds of farmers are camped at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border. Here are the key developments in the ongoing agitation, covering issues from a mobile internet ban to a traffic advisory.
#WATCH | On the 'Delhi Chalo' march today, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher says, "We've decided that no farmer, youth will march forward. Leaders will march ahead. We will go peacefully… All this can be ended if they (central govt) make a law on MSP…" pic.twitter.com/PFmVaKkY60
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2024
Farmers Protest – Traffic Advisory in Delhi
Delhi Traffic Police issued a social media post, urging commuters to avoid certain routes on February 21-24 due to special traffic arrangements. IP Marg, ITO Chowk, DDU Marg, BSZ Marg, JLN Marg, Shanti Van crossing, and Rajghat crossing are areas to be avoided from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Protestor Gathering
Approximately 14,000 people, accompanied by 1,200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, 10 mini-buses, and small vehicles, have gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border. The Centre raised objections over the Punjab government’s handling of the situation.
#WATCH | Delhi: Security arrangements at the Tikri Border as the farmers have announced to continue to march towards the National Capital pic.twitter.com/VAxOfPPQNp
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2024
Farmers Protest – High Court Censure
On February 20, the Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized protesting farmers, stating that tractor trolleys cannot be used on highways. The court questioned the Punjab government for permitting such a large assembly of farmers.
Social Media Clampdown
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued orders on February 14 and 19 to temporarily block approximately 177 social media accounts and web links associated with the farmers’ protest, following the Ministry of Home Affairs’ request.
Farmers Protest – Leaders’ Appeal for March
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the farmers’ right to proceed with their march towards Delhi. He expressed the government’s clear intention to prevent their entry into Delhi and called for a solution through discussions.
Delhi Police Alertness
Delhi Police directed security personnel at Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur border points to stay vigilant. Mock drills were conducted, and security arrangements were heightened at Delhi’s borders and in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Farmers Protest – Mobile Internet Ban Extension
The Haryana government extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until Wednesday in response to the ongoing farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest.
Union Ministers’ Appeals
Union Minister Arjun Munda urged protesting farmers to maintain peace and transition from discussions to finding solutions. Meanwhile, Union Minister V K Singh acknowledged the challenges of meeting all farmer demands.
Farmers Protest – Bulldozer Seizure Request
Haryana Police urged Punjab Police to seize bulldozers brought by protesting farmers from Punjab as they plan to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march from the interstate border.
Unresolved Talks and Protest Demands
The farmers are set to resume their march as the previous four rounds of talks with the Centre failed to provide a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The protestors presented 10 demands, including MSP guarantee for all crops, Swaminathan Commission’s formula implementation, full debt waiver, pension for farmers and laborers, and withdrawal of cases against farmers during the 2020-21 protest.
