After a five-hour negotiation with two Union ministers fell through, farmers have geared up for their planned protest march to Delhi on February 13, seeking a law to guarantee the minimum support price for their produce.
Foremost among these demands is the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops - a crucial lifeline for farmers facing market uncertainties.
Other key points of contention revolve around the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, compensation for farmers killed in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the withdrawal of cases against those involved in the farmers' movement. While an agreement was reached on these issues post-midnight, the farmers remain steadfast in their resolve, asserting that the Centre's promises made two years ago have not been fulfilled.
Heightened security measures are being rolled out across New Delhi, Haryana, and their adjoining borders following alerts from intelligence agencies regarding potential protests by farmer groups on February 13.
Officials are bracing for a gathering reminiscent of the protests in 2021 and have instructed law enforcement agencies to block the entry of such groups into New Delhi. Also, the Haryana Police is employing measures, including the establishment of diverse roadblocks, aimed at dissuading potential protesters.
Section 144 invoked
Authorities issued orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on February 11, imposing curbs on gatherings near the city borders ahead of the slated Dilli Chalo march by farmers on February 13. A large number of farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab are likely to participate in the march towards the national capital.
Senior police officials said that a high-level meeting took place with the home ministry over the weekend to discuss the impending protest and law enforcement strategies aimed at averting the entry of farmers into the city. Authorities have assigned officers from the special cell and the crime branch to oversee surveillance efforts targeting “anti-national elements” and potential “cyber threats.”
Demand for MSP law, fair pricing
More than 200 farmer unions are expected to participate in the march over several demands, including the enactment of a law to ensure a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. This demonstration highlights the concerns and grievances within the agricultural community regarding fair pricing and support for their produce.
Additionally, the farmers are demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, provision of pensions for both farmers and farm labourers, debt waivers for farmers, withdrawal of police cases, and “justice” for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Also Read | Delhi Traffic Police advisory ahead of farmers' protest
Govt's focus on enhanced MSP procurement signals strong support for farmers
The government highlights a significant contrast to underscore the Modi administration's commitment to supporting farmers. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the government allocated nearly Rs 2.28 lakh crore for the procurement of food grains at MSP, marking a substantial increase of nearly 115 percent from the expenditure of Rs 1.06 lakh crore in 2014-15. Additionally, the quantity of food grains procured at MSP has also seen a notable rise, climbing from 761.40 lakh metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 1062.69 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23, as per government data reported by News18.
However, the government clarified in a written response to Parliament on February 6 that there is currently no proposal within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to establish a long-term MSP policy for the next five years.
Will Bharat Ratna awards to Charan Singh, Swaminathan pacify farmers' protest?
The Centre’s decision to award the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh and agriculturalist MS Swaminathan has raised questions about how it might affect the proposed farmers' protest. Singh and Swaminathan were closely associated with farming communities.
Singh, known as a strong supporter of farmers, served as Prime Minister and consistently advocated their interests. Swaminathan, recognised as a key figure in India's Green Revolution, made significant contributions in agricultural development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the agricultural connection in his statement following the Bharat Ratna announcements, expressing his government's honour in recognising Singh with the prestigious award. He also expressed great pleasure at the decision to honour Swaminathan, acknowledging his substantial contributions to agriculture and farmer welfare in the country.
Farmers, often referred to as "annadata" or food providers, have been a central focus of the Modi government's policies, represented in the acronym GYAN, which includes garib (poor), yuva (youth), annadata (farmers), and naari (women).
Also Read | Farm protest: Farmers modify tractors to remove barriers, security forces on high alert
Haryana fortifies borders
Haryana authorities have taken stringent measures ahead of the proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march, sealing the state's border with Punjab at Shambhu near Ambala district. Concrete blocks, sandbags, barbed wire, and anti-riot vehicles have been deployed to block the road.
To reinforce security measures, iron sheets have been installed along the two sides of the road on the Ghaggar flyover, aiming to prevent protesters from removing police barricades.
The Haryana government has sealed the Punjab-Haryana border in Ambala, Jind, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts. This action is intended to prevent the entry of Punjab farmers into Haryana, highlighting the government's approach to maintain law and order amid the anticipated protests.
Both the Haryana and Delhi Police started the placement of concrete barricades at the Tikri border in Jhajjar's Bahadurgarh and Singhu in Sonepat on February 11 to hinder the farmers' entry into the national capital.
At the Singhu border on the Delhi-Sonepat border, the Delhi Police deployed large containers, cement and iron barricades, along with water cannons, as part of their measures. The Sonepat district administration has issued directives to fuel pump owners, instructing them not to dispense more than 10 litres of diesel into the tractors of farmers with the aim to restrict the mobility of the farmers participating in the planned march.
The Ambala administration has installed three layers of jersey barriers on the overbridge over the Ghaggar river to impede the progress of the farmers.
In Jind, police officials have sealed both sides of the highway near the Khanauri border, effectively halting vehicular traffic.
Mobile Internet and bulk SMS services have been temporarily suspended in seven Haryana districts, namely Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, from February 11 to 13.
Also Read | Farmers' protest march: Delhi Police blocks roads, steps up security
Farmer leaders challenge Haryana cops
Farmer leaders asserted that the Haryana police lacked the authority to prevent Punjab farmers from entering Haryana and obstructing their progress toward New Delhi. Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh, state president of Bhartiya Kisan Ekta, said farmers from Sirsa would converge in significant numbers at the Dabwali border to welcome Punjab farmers, after which they would collectively proceed towards Delhi.
Farmers' protest undemocratic: Khattar
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, speaking at the "Gaon Chalo Abhiyan" event in Sector 15, Panchkula, characterised the farmers' protest as undemocratic and unsuitable.
"These protests are not appropriate. Instead of utilising public transport, protesters opt to travel on their tractors. Furthermore, they are known to attach weapons to their vehicles and often refuse to comply when instructed to stop. It is imperative for us to remain vigilant in order to uphold law and order in the region. Protest activities should adhere to the principles of democracy," he said.
Congress supports protest
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge voiced his party's solidarity with the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' call on February 11, criticising the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government for what he described as "destroying" the interests of both farmers and soldiers during its 10-year reign.
Speaking at the first Punjab Congress workers' convention in Bondli village of Samrala, Kharge affirmed that the Congress would stand in solidarity with the farmers' protest to advocate their demands. He commended the farmers for their role in prompting the Modi government to suspend the farm laws three years ago.
However, he flayed the government's failure to issue a notification officially repealing the laws. Kharge asserted that once the Congress comes to power, it will nullify these three laws.
Security alert issued
An alert has been issued suggesting increased security measures in New Delhi, particularly in key areas such as Ramlila Ground, Rajghat, Red Fort, Kisan Ghat, Parliament, as well as the residences of the Prime Minister and home minister.
Farmers are expected to arrive in Delhi via Shambhu (Ambala), Khanori (Jind), and Dabwali (Sirsa) with their tractors/trolleys and equipped with food, rations, and logistical supplies to sustain themselves for up to six months.
As per intelligence reports from Punjab and Haryana, the current estimate for mobilisation stands 10,000 to 15,000 individuals. Additionally, it is expected that 2,000 to 2,500 tractor-trollies will converge at different borders of Delhi if the farmers persist with their march to the capital, according to media reports.
As part of the 'March to Delhi' programme, farmer unions are adapting tractors to serve as storage or shelter facilities for prolonged stays at the protest venues.
During the protests against the three now-repealed farmer laws in 2020-2021, farmer organisations exhibited a tendency to confront the police and utilise aggressive protest methods. According to sources, there are apprehensions that certain groups may seek to escalate the situation, potentially exacerbating law and order challenges.
The alert indicates that protesters may try to breach the barricades, resort to stone pelting, arson, and damage government and private vehicles and property. Additionally, there is a possibility of engaging in other unlawful activities.
Traffic diversions at Delhi borders
Starting February 12, traffic diversions have been implemented for commercial vehicles at Delhi’s borders. Restrictions for private vehicles will come into effect from February 13 onwards.
Law enforcement officials have urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly and to steer clear of the border areas. Delhi traffic police issued an advisory on February 11 recommending alternative routes.
According to authorities, starting February 12, commercial vehicles or trucks travelling towards destinations such as Bahadurgarh and Rohtak via Rohtak Road are advised to use the Najafgarh-Nangloi Road from Nangloi Chowk to enter Haryana via the Najafgarh-Jharoda Border.
From February 13, cars heading towards Sonepat, Panipat, and Karnal via NH44 are advised to take Exit 1 at Alipur Cut to Shani Mandir, then proceed to Palla Bakhtawarpur Road Y-Point, followed by the Dahisara Village Road two-lane stretch to MCD Toll Dahisara. From there, they can take the Jatti Kalan road to Singhu Stadium and proceed to PS Kundali, ultimately reaching NH-44 towards Sonepat.
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