Farmers' Protest: NSA charges filed against protesters; agitators observe ‘Black Friday’: 10 points

Authorities have stated that demonstrators will be held responsible for any damage caused to public property, and they may be required to provide compensation accordingly.

Amid the two-day halt in the 'Delhi Chalo' march, the Haryana Police in Ambala district has taken action against farmer leaders and unions under the National Security Act (NSA) of 1980. Furthermore, authorities have indicated that demonstrators will be held accountable for any damage caused to public property, with potential compensation requirements.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Ambala Police said, “Proceedings have been initiated under NSA National Security Act 1980/NSA against the chief officials of farmer organizations and the agitators.” The release also highlighted the unfortunate loss of two police officials' lives and the injuries sustained by over 30 others during the course of the farmers' protest till now.

According to the release issued by the Ambala police, since February 13, 2024, farmer organisations have attempted to breach the barricades erected at the Shambhu Border in order to advance towards Delhi. The statement elaborated that daily incidents of pelting stones at law enforcement personnel and causing disturbances in the region are occurring, aiming to destabilise the law and order situation.

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The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has condemned the tragic death of a 22-year-old farmer, Subhkaran Singh, during clashes between Haryana Police and Punjab farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border. In response to this tragic incident, the SKM has called for the registration of a murder case and declared Friday (February 23) as a 'Black Day' to mourn the loss of the young farmer.

(1.) Additionally, the SKM has announced plans for a tractor march on February 26 to protest against the incident and demand justice for Subhkaran Singh. This tractor march is expected to be a show of solidarity and resolve by the farming community to seek accountability for the farmer's death.

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(2.) The clash between the police and farmers, which resulted in injuries to several protestors, has prompted farmers to temporarily suspend their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march for two days.

(3.) The SKM has demanded the registration of a murder case against Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Home Minister Anil Vij, holding them accountable for the untimely death of the young farmer amid the ongoing protests.

(4.) Additionally, the leaders of the movement have urged for Rs 1 crore compensation to be awarded to the family of the deceased farmer. Furthermore, they have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, advocating for a judicial inquiry to be conducted by a Supreme Court judge.

(5.) Rakesh Tikait, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), has announced plans for a one-day programme involving farmers driving their tractors to the highway and towards the route leading to Delhi. This announcement suggests that the farmers are intending to escalate their protest and potentially resume their agitation in Delhi.

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(6.) Thousands of farmers, adamant in their demands for a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and farm debt waiver, continue to camp at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders between Punjab and Haryana.

(7.) Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda stated that while several rounds of discussions with the farmers had been conducted, further efforts were needed from both sides to reach a consensus. He reiterated the central government's commitment to working in the best interests of farmers.

(8.) The Congress party demanded a special session of Parliament to discuss the pressing issues faced by farmers. Additionally, the opposition party urged the Punjab government to convene a similar session of the state assembly to deliberate on the matter.

(9.) Amid heightened tensions, Union Minister Anurag Thakur appealed to the protesting farmers to refrain from violence, emphasizing that the government is open to dialogue to address their concerns.

(10.) In addition to their demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP) assurance, farmers are advocating for several other measures including:

Enactment of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations: The farmers are pressing for the implementation of the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission, which include ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce.

Loan waivers: Farmers are demanding the complete forgiveness of agricultural loans to ease their financial burden.

Provision of pensions for farmers and agricultural labourers: There is a call for the government to provide monthly pensions to farmers and agricultural labourers aged 60 and above to support them during their retirement years.

Resistance against electricity tariff hikes: Farmers are opposing any increases in electricity tariffs, which could add to their production costs and further strain their finances.

Withdrawal of police charges: There is a demand for the withdrawal of all police charges and cases filed against farmers during their protests, ensuring that they can engage in peaceful demonstrations without fear of legal repercussions.

Justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence: Farmers are seeking justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.