The recent meeting between Union Ministers and farmer leaders failed to yield common ground, setting the stage for further discussions scheduled for Sunday, February 18. Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and several trade unions have called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16, with a planned chakka jam on major roads from 12 pm to 4 pm. Here are key points to consider:
- Union Minister Arjun Munda described the third round of talks as “positive,” indicating constructive dialogue despite the lack of immediate resolution. The next meeting is slated for Sunday evening.
- In anticipation of the Bharat Bandh, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police announced enforcement of CrPC Section 144 to curb unauthorized public assemblies across the district.
- The Haryana government extended the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts until February 17, citing security concerns amidst the ongoing protests.
- While emergency services like ambulance operations and medical shops remain unaffected, concerns have been raised by parents’ groups regarding potential disruptions to CBSE exams.
- Public intellectuals and artists issued a joint statement in support of the workers and farmers’ call for a sectoral industrial strike and Grameen Bharat Bandh on February 16, urging widespread support.
- Traders reaffirmed their commitment to business operations, asserting their role in maintaining economic stability and ensuring the availability of essential goods and services during the Bharat Bandh.
- Reports suggest that various private and government offices, village shops, transportation services, agricultural activities, and rural industrial institutions may remain closed on February 16.
- The SKM has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining demands including a Minimum Support Price based on the Swaminathan formula, legal guarantee of procurement, debt waiver, and no hike in electricity tariff.
- Additional demands include free power for farming, comprehensive crop insurance, and a pension hike to ₹10,000 per month among others.
Farmers from Punjab continue to camp at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana, seeking to march towards Delhi to press the Centre to accept their demands.