Several farmer associations, predominantly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, have mobilized for a march scheduled on February 13 in New Delhi. This collective action stems from the farmers’ resolute demand for a law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their agricultural produce, a condition they emphasized upon during the withdrawal of their protests in 2021. However, the Haryana government has taken preemptive measures, sealing its border with Punjab using barbed wires and concrete blocks to thwart the proposed ‘Dilli Chalo’ march by the aggrieved farmers. Additionally, the Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory to alleviate potential congestion on the city’s roads.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have jointly announced the participation of over 200 farm unions in the forthcoming march to Delhi on February 13, aiming to compel the Centre to accede to various demands, notably the enactment of legislation guaranteeing MSP for crops.
Delhi Traffic Police has released an advisory in anticipation of the planned farmers’ march, outlining the necessary precautions and alternate routes for commuters.
Apart from MSP assurance, the farmers are advocating for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and laborers, farm debt waivers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The Haryana government has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in 15 districts, prohibiting assemblies of five or more individuals and banning protests or marches within the state.
Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven Haryana districts from February 11 to 13 to preempt any unrest.
Section 144 has also been enforced by the Chandigarh administration for 60 days due to the proposed farmers’ protest.
Delhi Police has invoked Section 144, restricting gatherings to no more than two people in public areas at the borders between the national capital and Uttar Pradesh, alongside nearby regions in the northeast district’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, entry of vehicles carrying protesters from Uttar Pradesh into Delhi has been barred.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented near Delhi’s Tikri border, including the placement of large containers, cemented and iron barricades, and water cannons to avert any untoward incidents.
The Centre has extended an invitation to farmer representatives for a meeting on February 12 to address their grievances, with senior officials scheduled to engage in talks with delegations from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lakhowal have declared their intention to abstain from the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest on February 13, opting instead to protest any mistreatment of farmers during the march. They plan to launch the ‘Gramin Bharat Bandh’ protest on February 16.
The upcoming farmers’ march in Delhi underscores the persistent grievances of agricultural communities regarding MSP and other related issues. Despite government measures to deter the protest, farmer unions remain resolute in their pursuit of equitable policies and justice for the farming community.
