Farmers Stand Firm: Demands Unmet, Delhi Border Security Strengthened. The farmer leaders pledged to persist with the Dilli Chalo march until the central government agrees to their demands, which include securing Minimum Support Price for all crops.
As thousands of farmers engaged in the ‘Dilli Chalo‘ march remain encamped at the Punjab-Haryana border, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed that the protest will persist until all their demands are addressed.Wherever, he called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the concerns affecting farmers. Additionally, the farmers have temporarily halted their ‘Dilli Chalo‘ march until February 29 and are conducting various activities at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. A candlelight vigil was held at the protest site on Saturday to mourn the recent death of a farmer during the agitation.
In the interim, Farmers Stand Firm: Demands Unmet, Delhi Border Security Strengthened:
Authorities have commenced the process of partially reopening the Singhu and Tikri borders linking Delhi and Haryana. Moreover, which had been closed since the protests commenced on February 13. Additionally, internet services have been reinstated in seven districts in Haryana:
- Kaithal
- Kurukshetra
- Ambala
- Sirsa
- Fatehabad
- Jind
- Hisar
Protest Continues with Determination:
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher declared on Sunday that the protest will persist until the central government meets their demands. A decision regarding the continuation of the Dilli Chalo march will be made on February 29. Additionally, In the interim, various events are scheduled at the Punjab-Haryana border. Pandher emphasized the demand for Prime Minister Modi to address the issues affecting farmers.
Tribute to Fallen Farmer:
On Saturday night, protesters organized a candle march at Shambhu and Khanauri on Punjab’s border with Haryana to honor the memory of a farmer who died during the ongoing agitation. Shubhkaran, 21, lost his life in a clash in Khanauri on February 21. Meanwhile, his cremation has been delayed as farmer leaders demand that the Punjab government file an FIR against those responsible for his death.
Government’s Call for Dialogue:
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in discussions and urged talks to find a resolution. Additionally, he expressed hope for further dialogue, emphasizing the government’s commitment to agricultural sector development.
Upcoming Events and Meetings:
Today, seminars will be conducted at the protest site on various farmer-related issues.
- On Monday, effigies of the World Trade Organization and the Centre will be burnt.
- Meetings of forums associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) will take place across the country on February 27.
- It will be followed by a joint meeting of SKM and KMM forums on February 28.
- A meeting of farmer leaders to decide the next steps in the Dilli Chalo march is scheduled for February 29.
Persistent Protest for Demands:
As a result, thousands of farmers remain stationed at Khanauri and Shambhu after their march to Delhi was halted by police. However their demands include:
- Legal assurance of minimum support price (MSP) for crops
- Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations
- Pension for farmers and farm laborers
- No increase in electricity tariffs
- Withdrawal of police cases
- Justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence
- Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013
- Compensation for families of farmers who died during previous agitations in 2020-21, among other demands.