Dozens of protesting farmers faced detainment as they attempted to resume their “Delhi Chalo” march to demand higher crop prices and other concessions for farmers. The delay in reaching the capital further prolonged their efforts to push for legislative changes, according to statements from protest leaders reported by Reuters.
The “Delhi Chalo” march, which commenced on February 13, initially aimed to pressure the government into enacting legislation guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural products and addressing other grievances such as loan forgiveness. However, the protest was temporarily halted following instances of violence and clashes with law enforcement at the city’s borders on February 24.
Following the hiatus, farmers planned to restart their demonstration on March 6, rallying farmers from across India to converge peacefully on Delhi. With their tractors blocked, organizers urged participants to travel by bus or train instead. Farmer leader Tejveer Singh emphasized the widespread support for the march, stating that farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and beyond were prepared to join the movement.
In addition to the renewed march, farmers announced plans for a nationwide ‘Rail Roko’ protest on March 10, further underscoring their commitment to pressing for agricultural reform. Some farmers had already been staging protests at Khanauri and Shambhu borders for nearly 23 days, highlighting the enduring determination within the agricultural community to effect change.
However, the resumption of the march encountered obstacles as police in several states intervened to prevent farmers from advancing toward Delhi, as reported by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a leading protest group. Allegations surfaced that authorities had detained farmers traveling to the capital, sparking tensions between protest organizers and law enforcement.
While farmer leaders claimed that 50 individuals from one district in Rajasthan were apprehended on Tuesday night, local police refuted these claims, asserting that no such detentions had occurred. Nevertheless, the disruptions to travel plans persisted, with some farmers unable to reach Delhi as intended on March 6.
Amidst these developments, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher acknowledged logistical challenges facing participants from distant regions, noting that it would take several days for them to arrive in Delhi. Despite delays, solidarity among farmers remained strong, with groups from central, northern, southern, and western India expressing their intent to join the protest in the coming days.
Pandher also highlighted the economic repercussions of the prolonged border closures, particularly in Punjab, where livelihoods have been impacted by the blockade. He criticized the government for subjecting citizens to hardship and urged authorities to address the grievances driving the protests.
The ongoing standoff between farmers and the government has persisted despite numerous rounds of negotiations. The latest discussions, which concluded on February 18, failed to resolve key issues, including the implementation of MSP laws and farm loan waivers. With tensions unresolved, farmers continue to advocate for their demands through grassroots mobilization and collective action.