Farmers Protest Highlights: Security forces fire teargas shells to disperse protesting farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border

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--"The SKM has decided to immediately intensify agitation and it shall be done with multiple calls for massive actions in coordination with workers and all other sections of the people," the SKM said in a statement.

--"The Narendra Modi government has deliberately vitiated the atmosphere on farmers' issues and hoodwinked people into believing that he is truthful and sincere," it said.

--The SKM mentioned "promises" made by the government, which included a committee to consider granting a legal status to MSP and other demands in December 2021.

--"Now, in the name of talks, they are mocking negotiations by sending ministers to the agitators at Shambhu to fool the people and keeping the points and progress in the discussion 'secret', thus putting farmers of the entire country in the dark," it further alleged.

--The SKM said the bandh on Friday reflected "anger of the people against the brutal repression" by the Modi government and the BJP-led state government of Haryana on farmers at Punjab's Shambhu border.

--"The anger of farmers against the corporate and communal policies of the Narendra Modi government has boiled over today with their huge participation in the Grameen Bharat Bandh," it said.

Industry body PHDCCI on Friday said it apprehends "severe hit" to trade and industry and loss of employment in the northern states from a lingering farmers' agitation which would result in economic losses of over ₹500 crores daily. "A lingering agitation will cause ₹500 crores economic loss daily and will have an impact on Q4 Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of northern states majorly Punjab, Haryana and Delhi," said Sanjeev Agrawal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Haryana Police on Friday released a series of video clips of several farmers, showing them pelting stones and purportedly attempting to provoke the security personnel at Shambhu border near Ambala. Police in its post on X asserted that “ruckus” cannot be allowed under the guise of farmers’ movement. Meanwhile, the farmer leaders spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ call claimed that the Haryana security personnel used “force” against protesters by hurling tear gas shells and firing rubber bullets at them, leaving many injured.

The (Samyukt Kisan Morcha) SKM said its Punjab unit will hold a meeting on February 18 at Jalandhar, and it will be followed by the meetings of the NCC and and general body at New Delhi to take stock of developments and suggest the future course of action. In a statement issued on the day of the bandh, the SKM also accused the Union government of "vitiating the atmosphere on farmers' issues" by not keeping its promises made when the 2020-21 sit-in protest at Delhi borders ended.

The agitators have taken the body of Gyan Singh, a farmer who died of heart attack, to the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border. The district administration of Patiala is in talks with farmers leaders to impress upon them to keep the body there for only an hour. Later, it would be taken to his village in Gurdaspur.

Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarvan Singh Pandher said “This agitation has become international in nature. We can say something only after the meeting (on Sunday).”

Haryana Police on Friday fired tear gas shells to disperse protesting farmers when they moved towards the barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala, a day after talks between Union ministers and farmer leaders remained inconclusive.

The fresh confrontation comes on the fourth day of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, to press the government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of CITU and the Kisan Tehrik led by senior CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami held a protest in Jammu in support of the farmers who have hit the streets demanding among other things a law guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce today. Amid chants of anti-government, pro-farmer and pro-worker slogans, the protesters assembled outside the Maharaja Hari Singh Park and held a peaceful protest. However, they were not allowed to take out a rally by policemen who were deployed in strength, said Tarigami

Union Minister Anurag Thakur said the next round of talks with the agitating farmers scheduled to be held on Sunday will be cordial and the farmers will not resort to violence and vandalism. He reminded AAP leadership that they wanted the state government to make payments towards MSP when the Congress was in power at the Centre. “When there was a Congress government at the Centre, Arvind Kejriwal used to demand that the Punjab government make MSP payouts to the farmers. Bhagwant Mann also used to raise a lot of questions. Now, Mann is the chief minister. Will he respond to this (Kejriwal’s) demand?” said Thakur

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Centre of trying to "suppress" the voices of the protesters, claiming social media accounts of farmers and YouTubers have been suspended.

The Union Ministers and farmer leaders will meet on February 18 for the fourth round of talks, they met on February 8, 12 and 15 as well to discuss farmers’ demands of legal MSP. Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai were present at the last meeting along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also joined the meeting. After the five-hour-long talks, Munda said, we will find a solution by sitting together. Mann said he raised with the Centre the issue of suspension of internet services in certain areas in Sangrur, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib, and that of Haryana security personnel using a drone to drop tear gas shells on protesters inside Punjab’s territory.

BKU (Charuni) leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said, farmers of Haryana have always played an active role in agitations. Today we gave a call for closing toll (booths) in Haryana for three hours and it was heeded. We appeal to all the farmers to take out a tractor march in their nearest town tomorrow. No roads will be blocked and discipline will be maintained.

Extending support to the protesting farmer unions at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, BKU Ugrahan has announced two days of dharna outside the houses of BJP state president Sunil Jakhar in Abohar, Captain Amarinder Singh (in Patiala) and Kewal Dhillon (in Barnala) on February 17 and 18. At toll plazas of Punjab, toll staff will not be allowed to collect taxes from commuters, the union said.

In today's Grameen Bharat Bandh, chakka jam was organised at 240 places in Punjab, as per information received from farmer union SKM.

Many farmer bodies in Uttar Pradesh, including BKU (Rajewal), BKU (Dakunda), BKU (Lakhowal), BKU (Qadian) and BKU have come forward in solidarity with the farmer unions from Punjab and Haryana.

Protests were held in parts of western Uttar Pradesh to mark the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait told reporters that, we are holding the protest for the demands, including implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, loan waiver etc. On being asked if he has any plans to go to Delhi, Tikait said, a meeting is scheduled in Sisauli (Muzaffaranagar) on Feb 17, where planning for the future course of action will be made. Tikait participated in the protest held at the Bagovali crossing on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway. BKU supporters staged protests at ten places in the district.

Insignificant impact of Bharat Bandh call in Karnal region as markets and other commercial establishments remained open. Buses also remained operational with a handful of union workers staging a dharna at Karnal bus stand.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha's called for a 'Bharat Bandh' to press the government to accept farmers' demands

- Buses stay off roads in Punjab

- Farmers continue to stage dharnas at toll plazas in Haryana

- Markets and commercial establishments at several places in the state also remained shut while farmers held demonstrations at many places and blocked national highways in Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Bathinda and Jalandhar.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “The contrast between the Modi Government and @INCIndia has never been more evident. On one hand, the regime’s first response to the voice of the people is to label them as anti-national, terrorist, etc. and tear-gas them with drones. On the other, Rahul Gandhi interacts with farmers as equals, hearing their grievances, and learning from their experiences.” The abolition of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act by the Bihar government in 2006 is the “single most important reason” for the distress faced by the farmers in the state, as the party promised to provide justice to the tillers in the state, he said

Jammu and Kashmir police detained around 50 trade union leaders and activists who were planning to hold a protest at Lal Chowk in support of the demands of agitating farmers. The protest was planned in response to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's call for a 'Bharat Bandh' to press the government to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing the 'Kisan Nyay Panchayat' said If the INDIA bloc comes to power after the general elections, we will give a legal guarantee to MSP. Whenever farmers have asked for something from the Congress, it has been given to them. Be it loan waiver or MSP, we have always protected the interests of cultivators and will do so in future

CAIT said, the ongoing farmers' protest has impacted trade in Delhi, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately Rs 300 crores so far. The absence of around 5 lakh traders, who typically visit Delhi from nearby states for purchases, further exacerbates the economic downturn. Additionally, shops situated near areas with blocked roads experience substantial losses, as the blockade hampers both customer footfall and logistical operations. This disruption highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing protests to mitigate further economic fallout and restore normalcy to trade activities in Delhi.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in his address in Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Bihar said, "What is the reason behind the atmosphere of hatred being created in the country? We asked the farmers, labourers, children and youth. All of them said that the reason is fear. The cause of this fear is injustice...Every day, injustice takes place in every corner of this country. Financial injustice, social injustice, injustice against farmers, injustice against youth, injustice against women...One more thing has come out now - if an Army jawan loses his life, he will be accorded the status of 'martyr' but if an Agniveer loses his life, he will not be accorded the status of 'martyr' by India's Army and Government. They have created two categories of martyrs..."

Tear gas shelling took place for 15 minutes at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border. The shells were logged near the stage of protestors, from where they have been addressing the protestors.

All India Kisan Congress chairman, Sukhpal Singh Khaira said, farmers aren’t running away from holding any conversation. They (KMM leaders) were called by the ministers at 1 am, and they all went for it.

In anticipation of the Bharat Bandh amid ongoing farmers' protests, security measures have been intensified at the Delhi-Gurugram border.

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, emphasizes the need for assured minimum support prices for diversification.

During the Bharat Bandh, Congress workers faced police intervention while attempting to protest near the BJP district office in Amritsar. Despite being stopped, they staged their protest nearby. Meanwhile, the District Rural Congress protested outside the residence of Former BJP MP Shwait Malik in Rialto Chowk.

A 63-year-old farmer, Gian Singh, participating in the 'Delhi Chalo' march, passed away due to a heart attack at the Shambhu border. Singh, from Punjab's Gurdaspur district, was advocating for farmers' demands, including legal MSP guarantees.

Protesting farmers are set to continue their presence at the Punjab-Haryana borders as the deadlock persists despite the third round of talks with a panel of Union ministers. Following a five-hour meeting on Thursday evening, which ended inconclusively, both sides will reconvene on February 18 for the fourth round of discussions. The previous rounds on February 8 and 12 also failed to yield a resolution. The Centre was represented by Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai during the meeting, where various demands of the farmer unions, including a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops, were discussed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured farmers on Saturday that reforms in the agrarian sector were aimed at helping them as thousands continued protests against three new laws to overhaul procurement and sale of produce.

"Reforms will help draw investment in agriculture and benefit farmers," he said at the annual meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi.

Farmers are staging a protest at Singh Sahida Gurudwara light point in Mohali, as they block all sides of the roads with tractors and trolleys in response to the nationwide Bharat Bandh call by various Kissan unions.

Regarding the farmers' protest, UP Deputy CM KP Maurya stated, "...Senior leaders of the union govt are in continuous dialogue with the farmers, so there shouldn't be any need for this protest... AAP, Congress, and even the communist parties are attempting to capitalize on this situation, but they won't succeed as the farmers' protest cannot turn anarchic, especially when discussions are ongoing..."

Employees of state-owned Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and private public transport bus operators in Punjab went on strike on Friday, resulting in over 5,000 buses remaining off the roads and leaving many commuters stranded. The shutdown, observed from 6 am to 4 pm, also had a significant impact in neighboring Haryana, where shops and commercial establishments remained closed. In support of the shutdown, petroleum dealers in Punjab shuttered filling stations. Additionally, activists from various farmer associations were observed urging traders in the AAP-ruled Punjab to keep their shops and business establishments closed as part of the protest.

Delhi Police has heightened alertness and bolstered security measures in the national capital in response to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), officials reported on Friday. Traffic disruptions are anticipated in Delhi as barricades are erected in various areas, as per police instructions. The SKM has orchestrated the 'Bharat Bandh' to compel the BJP-led central government to accede to farmers' demands, notably the legal assurance of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Despite being halted by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Delhi and Haryana, farmers from Punjab have continued their 'Delhi Chalo' march since Tuesday, leading to a fourth day of agitation on Friday. Both border points between Delhi and Haryana remain inaccessible to traffic, heavily guarded by security forces donned in anti-riot gear.

Despite the third round of talks with a panel of Union Ministers, protesting farmers have decided to continue their presence at the borders of Punjab and Haryana. The deadlock persists as farmers stand firm on their various demands, reports PTI.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), a farmers' organization based in Haryana, has announced plans to make toll plazas in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan "free" for three hours. This decision comes in response to the police action against agitating farmers. The announcement was made following a meeting of the farmer group's office-bearers in Kurukshetra on Thursday.

According to BKU (Charuni) spokesperson Rakesh Bains, toll plazas will be made free from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Friday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP during a session in the assembly, accusing the party of governing like "Ravan" and disregarding moral boundaries. She criticized the BJP's response to the ongoing farmers' protest, stating that while farmers suffer and the country faces turmoil, the BJP remains indifferent. Banerjee expressed solidarity with the protesting farmers by postponing her scheduled visit to Punjab. She emphasized her decision to stand by the farmers' agitation in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, highlighting the need for support amidst the ongoing unrest, according to PTI.

After a third round of talks with the central government, the General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pander on Friday urged an intervention from the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the farmers' issues adding that they would like to solve the issues 'amicably'.

Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra announced on Thursday the party's endorsement of the farmers' call for a bandh in support of their demands, particularly the legal assurance of minimum support prices for crops.

Dotasra emphasized the party's commitment to backing the farmers' strike while ensuring non-violence and safeguarding government property. He criticized the central government, alleging that the three agricultural laws were formulated to benefit industrialists rather than farmers.

Accusing the government of adopting an unjust stance towards farmers, Dotasra highlighted the peaceful nature of the protests and condemned the use of force, tear gas, and drones against them. He questioned the government's suppression of democratic rights to protest and express dissent in the country.

As Bharat Bandh 2024 unfolds, commuters encounter significant delays and traffic congestion while entering Delhi. Reports indicate heavy traffic and persistent traffic jams at the Ghazipur border between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Videos circulating online depict farmers deploying kites to disrupt police drones, prompting the Delhi Police to devise countermeasures. Authorities are considering enlisting professional kite flyers to counter future attempts. Police closely monitor farmers' tactics and adjust their strategies accordingly, including acquiring 20,000 tear gas shells for potential riot control.

Security has been bolstered at the Delhi-Gurugram border in anticipation of the Bharat Bandh as part of the ongoing farmers' protest.

Trade unions announced the strike for February 16 well in advance. The government should have made preparations as people are worried. The trade unions have legitimate demands, and the government should address them, voiced a local commuter.

Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai convened a meeting with farmer unions to discuss various demands, including the enactment of a law guaranteeing minimum support prices (MSP).

In anticipation of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers' unions, Gautam Buddh Nagar Police has announced the enforcement of restrictions under CrPC Section 144 across the district. The official order prohibits unauthorized public assemblies, including unlawful gatherings of five or more people, as well as unauthorized processions or demonstrations, whether political or religious in nature.

Traveling through Delhi's heavily fortified borders on Friday may be time-consuming due to the Gramin Bharat Bandh called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and supported by various farmer groups. While police in Gurgaon and Ghaziabad haven't issued advisories for Friday morning, Noida police have announced additional checks at three Delhi borders – DND Flyway, Chilla, and Kalindi Kunj. Anil Kumar Yadav, DCP (traffic), mentioned potential traffic pressure and advised commuters to opt for the metro, making it a more reliable option for those with appointments.

Gurnam Singh Chaduni, senior leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Chaduni, announced that farmers would seize all toll plazas in Haryana from 12 noon to 3 pm on Friday. This action is a response to the police lathi charge on protesting farmers at the Punjab borders during the 'Dilli Chalo' protest. The decision was made during a crucial meeting of BKU (Chaduni) in Chaduni village, Kurukshetra district, on Thursday. Meanwhile, Punjab farmer union leaders headed to Chandigarh for the third round of talks with Union ministers.

The Gramin Bharat Bandh is scheduled to occur from 6 am to 4 pm on February 16. Farmers plan extensive chakka jams on main roads from 12 pm to 4 pm, primarily affecting routes in Punjab. Commuters should anticipate potential traffic diversions and delays during these four hours. Significant disruptions are expected at Delhi NCR borders, including Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri, creating challenges for those entering the national capital.

During the Gramin Bharat Bandh, critical services such as ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, medical shops, marriage ceremonies, and students attending board exams are anticipated to remain unaffected, ensuring minimal disruption to essential activities.

Gramin Bharat Bandh, announced by prominent farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, involves suspending operations in villages. Farmers refrain from tending to their lands, leading to a halt in agricultural activities as laborers join the strike. Tikait, of Bharatiya Kisan Union, underscores its importance, noting widespread support with village shopkeepers either closing or opening in solidarity, showcasing diverse participation in the movement.

During talks with union ministers lasting over five hours on Thursday night, farmer leaders voiced their apprehensions regarding actions taken by security forces against protesting cultivators. They emphasized their preference for a peaceful resolution rather than confrontation. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), expressed worry about the current situation, including the suspension of social media accounts and the use of teargas during peaceful interactions. He stated, "We said we are not Pakistan. We seek a peaceful solution, not confrontation. They assured us that our pages would be restarted... We assured them of our commitment to dialogue."

The recent discussions marked the third round of negotiations between the government and protesting farmers, following inconclusive talks on February 8 and 12. The farmers, demanding assurances on several critical issues including Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension schemes, debt waivers, and justice for various grievances, faced a roadblock in their march at the Punjab-Haryana border. The outcome of the meeting influenced their subsequent actions in the ongoing standoff.

Banks, offices, transportation, and agricultural activities are expected to be affected by the nationwide strike called by farmer unions on February 16. The strike is anticipated to disrupt roads and transportation, potentially causing traffic congestion. Private offices, village shops, and rural industrial and service sector institutions are also likely to remain closed. While school holidays have not been announced yet, the strike may have implications on daily routines and services.

Negotiations between senior Union ministers and protesting farmers continued past midnight on Thursday, focusing on key demands like a law on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops. Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Nityanand Rai, and Arjun Munda, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other officials, met farm leaders in Chandigarh.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann after the meeting of Union ministers and farmer leaders said, "We have had the meeting in a positive environment on 13-14 demands. The next meeting will take place on Sunday. I requested the Centre to direct the Haryana government to maintain peace in border areas."

After the third round of talks in Chandigarh, KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that discussions covered all demands, hoping for peaceful resolution as government seeks time. Delhi march plans remain.

The third round of discussions between the Central government and leaders of protesting farmer unions stretched past midnight in Chandigarh on Thursday. This prolonged negotiation took place amidst an uneasy calm prevailing among nearly 20,000 protesters stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana for the past three days.