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Farmers to re-launch Delhi march from Shambhu border on January 21

January 16, 2025, 8:34 pm

Amid the ongoing agitations by the various farmers unions, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced a series of actions to pressure the Union Government into addressing farmers’ demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and the withdrawal of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM).

The decisions were taken in a meeting of the SKM leaders and they have decided to escalate the agitation. As per the SKM leader a delegation will urge Chief Ministers across states to pass Assembly resolutions rejecting the NPFAM and to write to the Prime Minister demanding immediate talks with farmer organizations. SKM also plans statewide Kisan Mahapanchayats, beginning with a major gathering in Patna on February 11.

The committee announced a nationwide one-day dharna on January 20 outside MPs’ offices, urging them to pressure the Union Government. Farmers have also been called upon to hold week-long rallies and candlelight processions in their villages, highlighting their demands. On January 26, central trade unions and farmers will join a massive tractor parade to mark the anniversary of the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation.

Haryana on Alert for Delhi March

On the other hand, farmer leaders associated with the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced a new Delhi Chalo march on January 21, sending a group of 101 farmers from the Shambhu border. Sarvan Singh Pandher, speaking at the Shambhu border, urged farmers to unite, vowing to continue the agitation until the government enacts an MSP law. Haryana authorities are on high alert following past confrontations. In December 2024, farmers’ attempts to cross police barricades at the Shambhu border were thwarted using tear gas and mild force. This marks the fourth such march since February 2024, when police stopped a similar effort.

Dallewal’s Health Deteriorates

Meanwhile, farmers expressed anguish over Punjab government’s claims in the Supreme Court that Dallewal’s health is improving. Leaders revealed that his weight has dropped from 86.9 kg to 66.4 kg, with critical kidney and liver function tests showing alarming results. “If fasting improves health, why not close hospitals and put patients on hunger strikes?” the farmer leaders asked in a statement. The farmers’ leaders claimed that the government deliberately presents test results in the Supreme Court that take a longer time to show deterioration. For instance, red blood cells contain hemoglobin, and the average lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days, so a decline in hemoglobin isn’t noticeable within 52 days of fasting.

Watch Farmers’ Stylish ‘Tractor March’ At Shambhu Border

December 16, 2024, 7:16 pm

Tractors flooded the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as farmers organised a march on tractors, where protesting farmers continue to remain over their various demands.

The ongoing Punjab and Haryana farmers’ protest has intensified after violent clashes between farmers and Haryana police in which 17 farmers were reportedly injured. The farmers have stood up to their warning and are continuing with tractor march planned for December 16 and a ‘Rail Roko’ on December 18.

Watch it here:

#WATCH | Ambala, Haryana: Farmers march to Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border on tractors, where protesting farmers continue to remain over their various demands. pic.twitter.com/ofLOqcL1id

— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024

See Haryana farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni has invited Sanyukt Kisan Morcha to fight together:

Haryana farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni to the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha
Through the letter, he has invited the SKM to fight together, referring to the deteriorating health of Jagjit Singh. Therefore, he said to hold a meeting on Shambhu Morcha. pic.twitter.com/73loSV0rYR

— Ashu Aneja (@ashuaneja1) December 16, 2024

Anil Vij, Haryana Minister has urged farmers to find alternative ways to protest, rather than blocking trains.

In a statement, he said, “After permission from the Administration, every organisation can hold a protest. The farmers should not block trains as it will cause inconvenience to many people. They should find another way to protest.”

Earlier, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed the planned protests, stating that the tractor march would be held outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a large-scale rail blockade in Punjab two days later.

His announcement came after a group of 101 farmers, known as the ‘Jathha,’ was blocked by police while trying to march toward the Shambhu border.

Pandher condemned the actions of the police, accusing them of using excessive force to disperse the protestors.

“The Indian government, the fifth-largest economy in the world, used force against 101 farmers. Chemical water was thrown at us using cannons, bombs were hurled, and tear gas shells were fired. Seventeen farmers have been injured, many of whom are in serious condition, and they are not being given proper treatment in the hospital. We urge the Punjab government to ensure adequate treatment,” Pandher claimed. He called on the Punjab government to ensure adequate medical care for the injured farmers.

Pandher also announced that the farmers would continue their protest with a ‘Rail Roko’ (Rail Blockade) in Punjab on December 18. He urged the people of Punjab, particularly those living near railway tracks, to participate in the blockade by stopping train services from 12 to 3 pm.

Addressing the political climate, Pandher criticised the opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for not effectively representing farmers’ concerns in Parliament. “We appeal to all Punjabis to participate in large numbers,” he added, stressing the importance of the upcoming protests.

Also read: Ancient Shiva Temple Discovered At Sambhal After 46 Years Historically a Pilgrimage Site, Says Advocate

Despite the heavy-handed response from authorities, farmers have remained committed to their demands, which include securing Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees and opposing corporate control over agricultural markets.

Punjab Farmers Accuse CM Bhagwant Mann Aligning With Centre To Supress Protests

December 8, 2024, 7:28 pm

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, of covertly aligning with the central government to suppress farmers’ voices. He questioned the state’s actions in restricting media coverage, despite professing support for farmers and laborers. Pandher demanded explanations from both Chief Minister Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, stating, “We used to say that Bhagwant Mann government is having some sort of alliance with the central government. Today, the way media is being stopped, the CM and Arvind Kejriwal should come forward and explain this.”

These remarks come amid ongoing farmer protests at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, where demonstrators are advocating for various demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers would march towards Delhi at noon, intensifying the protest.

In response to the planned march, Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nanak Singh, issued a memorandum advising media personnel to avoid interfering in farmers’ matters. The memorandum cited a specific incident on December 6, 2024, that violated statutory provisions and urged journalists to maintain a safe distance while performing their duties. SSP Singh clarified, “Media has not been stopped. We have no such intentions. But, it was needed to brief the media. Last time we came to know that three to four media people were injured. To avoid that we briefed the media.”

The farmers’ agitation has been ongoing since February 13, 2024, when their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was halted at the Shambhu border. The protesters have been steadfast in their demands, which include securing legal assurance for MSP and complete loan forgiveness for all farmers.

Also read: Western Disturbance Brings Rain to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana; Cold Wave to Follow: IMD

The situation remains tense as farmers prepare to escalate their protests, seeking urgent dialogue with the central government to address their longstanding issues.

Farmers stopped at Shambhu border, march suspended

December 7, 2024, 2:44 am

Farmers on Friday suspended their Delhi March for a day after the Haryana police prevented them from crossing the Shambhu border. The high voltage drama unfolded around 1pm when a group of 101 farmers started their Delhi March and tried to cross the multi-layered barricading put up by the police.
The police used tear-gas and mild force to disperse the farmers when they were trying to remove barricades, leading to minor injuries to around 10 farmers. The Haryana Police asked farmers not to proceed further and cited a prohibitory order clamped under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
After the repeated attempts the farmers failed to cross the barricades, farmer leader Sarvan Singh Pandher announced that protest march is suspended and the farmers were called back to the camps. According to reports, the farmers will wait for the response of Union Government to resume talks with the farmer leaders and they will hold another meeting on December 8 to take the next call.
“We will wait till tomorrow (Saturday) for talks with the government, otherwise, a ‘Jattha’ of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi on 8 December at 12 noon. If the government wants to resume talks they can send an invite to us by tomorrow evening,” said Pandher during an interaction with media persons.
He said the Haryana police should not stop the farmers as it is right of the farmers to hold peaceful protest and meet representatives of the elected government. “Why is the government treating us as if we belong to an enemy nation? We are citizens of this country and have made immense sacrifices for its welfare”, said Pandher. “The entire world witnessed how the fifth-largest economy in the world inflicted atrocities and injured our farmer leaders. This is the moral victory of the farmers’ protest. Prime Minister Modi has no justification for why we are being prevented from moving forward peacefully,” he said.
Pandher, however, said farmers were ready to resume talks with the government.
“If the talks had commenced, a positive resolution to this movement could have been achieved. However, the government remains unwilling to engage in dialogue”, he said adding that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have listened to the Vice President also.
Hours before the farmers were planning to launch their Delhi March, the Haryana police have tightened the security at the Sambhu border on the NH 44. The Haryana government had also suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS service in 11 villages of Ambala district till December 9. The farmers led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have given the call to launch the Delhi March to force the Centre for a legal guarantee for minimum support price for crops.
The talks with the farmers were suspended on February 18 after their last meeting with group of ministers remained inconclusive. They have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Meanwhile, Haryana, Home Secretary Sumita Misra said that the farmers were not given permission by the Delhi police and the farmers should avoid taking out the protest march. She has advised the farmer leaders to hold talks with the committee of experts formed by the supreme court to resolve the issues of the farmers.

Congress Demands Legal Guarantee of MSP for Farmers, What Does It Mean?

December 6, 2024, 3:53 pm

Congress MPs staged a protest on the Parliament in the national capital premises on Friday regarding the implementation and raise in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.

Holding banners and placards, they raised slogans demanding legal guarantee for MSP to the farmers and urged the centre to listen to the farmers’ concerns who have been protesting since last year, on and off.

This protest follows a large gathering of farmers at the Shambhu border, where they demanded the government address their 12-point charter of demands, including the MSP guarantee.

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda urged the central government to engage in dialogue with farmers. Criticising the central government, Hooda said that during the last farmers’ protest, the government had assured farmers of an MSP guarantee, but now it appears they are reneging on that promise.

“Earlier when farmers’ protest had happened, the government had promised MSP to the farmers. Since this promise was not fulfilled, farmers have been protesting at Shambhu border. Today again, the farmers have decided to march to Delhi which is a sign of the government going back on its promise. We demand that the government should talk to the farmers immediately…” Hooda said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed solidarity with the protesting farmers and announced the party’s unwavering support for their ongoing march to Parliament.

Taking to his official handle on X, Jairam Ramesh posted, “Farmers are marching to Parliament today. Their protest has received a huge booster dose after getting support from the Vice President and the Honourable Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Farmers and their organizations are continuously agitating.”

Ramesh reiterated the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP and fixing MSP at 1.5 times the comprehensive cost of cultivation, as recommended by the MS Swaminathan Commission.

He also stressed the need to restructure the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and called for an independent agency to oversee agricultural trade policies.

The renewed call for a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers comes as farmer unions maintain that several of their demands, including the MSP guarantee, remain unaddressed.

Sukhwinder Kaur, a protestor, emphasized the importance of their demands, saying, “We have 12 demands and our main demand is that of the MSP. The Punjab government said they would do it but even after waiting for one month, they didn’t, and we protested against it. We are ready to talk to them but they have not asked us anything. We are not begging; we are just asking for something for what we do. Where are we at fault?”

As tensions escalate, opposition leaders are rallying around the farmers, urging the government to engage in meaningful dialogue. The situation is being closely monitored as political and public pressure mounts on the government to resolve the crisis effectively.

Also read: Mitchell Starc’s Stunning 6-Wicket Haul Shreds India for 180 on Day 1 of Adelaide Test

What Does It Mean?

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price at which the government guarantees to buy crops from farmers, ensuring they receive a fair income regardless of market fluctuations. Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for MSP to protect them from financial instability caused by unpredictable market conditions.

The MS Swaminathan Commission recommended fixing MSP at 1.5 times the cost of cultivation to make farming more viable for small and marginal farmers. However, without a legal framework, the MSP system remains a policy decision rather than a binding obligation, leaving farmers vulnerable.

The protest also highlights broader issues in Indian agriculture, such as the need for better crop insurance schemes (like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) and fairer trade policies. Farmer unions are calling for reforms that prioritize their welfare and address systemic challenges.

The ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ march signifies the growing frustration among farmers, who feel that their voices are being ignored despite previous assurances. Political leaders, especially from the opposition, are leveraging this opportunity to align with farmers, potentially increasing pressure on the government to address these demands comprehensively.

The resolution of this issue will require a balanced approach, addressing both farmers’ demands and ensuring sustainable agricultural reforms for the future.

Farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ Stopped at Shambhu Border; Internet Services Suspended in Ambala

December 6, 2024, 3:10 pm

Protesting farmers attempting to march to Delhi as part of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement were stopped at the Shambhu border on December 6. Police officials cited a lack of permission for the farmers to enter Haryana, leading to a significant deployment of law enforcement personnel at the site.

Drone footage captured at the Shambhu border revealed police barricades preventing the passage of approximately 101 farmers. A police spokesperson stated, “The farmers do not have any permission to enter Haryana. The Ambala administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).”

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, who was among those halted at the border, expressed frustration over the situation. “We should be allowed to go towards Delhi peacefully or we should be talked to about our demands,” he stated. Pandher emphasized that the farmers are open to dialogue, urging the government to provide a formal communication from the central government or the Chief Minister’s office regarding their demands. He reiterated calls for a designated protest area in Delhi and the restoration of internet services in Ambala.

In a related development, the Haryana government announced an internet shutdown in ten villages of Ambala from December 6 to December 9, citing concerns over misinformation and rumors spread via social media platforms. The order, issued under Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, will affect villages including Dangdehri, Lohgarh, and Sultanpur, although banking and mobile recharge services will remain operational.

The ongoing protest, spearheaded by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) in collaboration with various farmer organizations, seeks compensation and benefits related to agricultural reforms, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).

WATCH : Vinesh Phogat Joins 200-Day Farmers’ Protest at Shambhu Border

August 31, 2024, 1:02 pm

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has joined the ongoing protest at the Shambhu border, where farmers from Haryana and Delhi have been demonstrating for 200 days. The farmers are demanding that the Central government honor its promises, particularly concerning a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

Speaking at the protest site, Vinesh Phogat expressed concern over the prolonged demonstration. She said, “It has been 200 days since they are sitting here. It is painful to see this. All of them are citizens of this country. Farmers run the country. Nothing is possible without them, not even athletes—if they don’t feed us, we won’t be able to compete. Many times we are helpless and can’t do anything; we represent the country at such big levels but can’t do anything for our family even when we see them sad.”

#WATCH | Wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrives at the farmers' protest site at Shambhu border, as the agitation completes 200 days.

She says, "It has been 200 days since they are sitting here. It is painful to see this. All of them are citizens of this country. Farmers run the… pic.twitter.com/MJo9XEqpko

— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2024

Phogat urged the government to listen to the protesters and fulfill its promises. “The country won’t progress if people sit on streets like this,” she stated.

During her visit, farmer leaders honored Phogat for her support.

On August 22, the Supreme Court instructed the states of Punjab and Haryana to continue discussions with the farmers to resolve the blockade at the Shambhu border. The court had previously directed local authorities to consider partial reopening of the highway for essential services and daily commuters.

Earlier this year, the Haryana government had installed barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to farmers planning to march to Delhi to press their demands.

Deadlock continues at Shambhu Border

August 23, 2024, 5:47 am

The deadlock at Shambhu Border shows no sign of resolution as farmers refuse to relent for the partial reopening of National Highway 44. The apex court on Thursday reiterated its call for continued dialogue between the Punjab and Haryana governments and the protesting farmers, aiming to clear the vital highway.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court ordered establishing a committee within a week to mediate negotiations with the farmers. The court had previously directed a partial reopening of the Shambhu Border, emphasizing the need to allow passage for ambulances, senior citizens, women, students, essential services, and daily commuters. However, the stalemate persists as the farmers maintain their stance and made it clear that they will resume their Dilli-Chalo march soon after the blockade is lifted.

The court also advised the states of Punjab and Haryana to submit within three days a list of issues that the proposed committee should address. Additionally, the Punjab government has been permitted to nominate two or three “apolitical” and “neutral” individuals for inclusion in the expert committee. The court underscored that the committee’s mandate would extend beyond the current impasse, aiming to address broader issues that frequently disrupt law and order in the region. The justices instructed state representatives to continue their dialogues with the farmers and report on the progress in the next hearing. In a previous order, the court had directed the Director Generals of Police of Punjab and Haryana, along with senior officials from Patiala and Ambala, to devise a plan for the partial reopening of the highway.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the Supreme Court that officials from Punjab and Haryana had engaged in talks with the farmers as per the court’s August 12 directive. While the farmers agreed to partially reopen the highway, they insisted on marching towards Delhi with their tractors and trolleys—a proposal the administrations of both states found unacceptable.

On Wednesday, representatives from Haryana and Punjab held an over-an-hour-long meeting with farmer leaders, but the discussions failed to yield a consensus. The farmers rejected Haryana’s proposal to refrain from moving towards Delhi in tractor-trailers if the highway is partially reopened, citing the Motor Vehicle Act as the basis for their refusal.

The farmers argued that tractors are essential for their protest, serving as protection against the elements and as carriers for ration supplies. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) reiterated that it was the Haryana government, not the farmers, that initially blocked the highway in anticipation of their “Delhi Chalo 2.0” call on February 13.

Since then, the Shambhu Border has remained the epicenter of the farmers’ protest, which originally focused on demands for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and farm loan waivers. Despite Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda’s offer for further talks on February 21, the government has shown limited engagement, exacerbating the standoff.
The Haryana government’s primary concern is that reopening NH 44 could enable a renewed farmer movement towards Delhi, potentially reigniting the large-scale protests in poll bound state again.

Supreme Court Presses Haryana on Farmers’ Dispute Resolution

August 12, 2024, 3:52 pm

The Supreme Court was reviewing the Haryana government’s appeal against a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that mandated the removal of barricades at the Shambhu border within a week.

In June, the court noted a trust deficit between farmers and the government. A three-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for a “neutral umpire” to build confidence between the two parties.

The bench, which also included Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan, remarked, “You need to take steps to engage with farmers. Otherwise, why would they come to Delhi? Despite the best efforts of ministers sent from here, there remains a trust deficit.”

Shambhu Border Blockade: SC Requests Punjab, Haryana To Suggest Neutral Committee Members

August 2, 2024, 3:24 pm

On Friday, the Supreme Court asked the states of Haryana and Punjab to propose names of neutral individuals for a committee to negotiate with protesting farmers at the Shambhu border near Ambala, where they have been camping since February 13.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and R. Mahadevan emphasized the importance of inspiring confidence in the farmers, suggesting that both states agree on common names for the committee.

“We want a very smooth beginning in terms of dialogue. There are very good, seasoned, practical personalities in the country who have experience and understand the problem. Please consider some neutral personalities to inspire more confidence in the farmers,” the bench stated.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 12 and has asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh to suggest common names for the committee. The Court also maintained its previous order to keep the status quo at the border.

The Supreme Court was addressing an appeal against the July 10 order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the opening of the highway and clearing of barricades within seven days. During the last hearing, the top court proposed forming an independent committee and asked both states to suggest common names, noting that the national highway has been blocked for over a year.

In February, the Haryana government set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to farmers’ bodies announcing a march to Delhi to support various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

SC Slams Haryana On Shambhu Border Crossing

July 12, 2024, 7:22 pm

The High Court this Wednesday directed that the Shambhu Border be re-opened within a week “on an experimental basis,” noting that the number of farmers camped at the site had dwindled to a few hundred.

The Supreme Court has posed tough questions to the Haryana government following a High Court order this week to re-open the Shambhu border crossing, which has been locked down since February to prevent farmers protesting the central government’s agricultural policies from marching on Delhi.

“How can the state block a highway? It has a duty to regulate traffic. We are saying ‘keep the border open, but also control it,'” the top court observed orally on Friday afternoon.

The state had appealed a section of the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order, which directed a judicial inquiry into the death of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh. Singh was one of thousands who marched to Shambhu after talks broke down and were met with barbed wire, shipping containers, and cement barricades. He was allegedly shot dead.

HC orders removal of barricades at Shambhu Border

July 11, 2024, 3:28 am

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Haryana government to remove barricades at the Shambhu border, more than five months after the “unlawful sealing of the border between Haryana and Punjab” to prevent farmers from “protesting peacefully” came under judicial scrutiny.
A high court division bench issued the order on Wednesday while addressing a batch of petitions. The court instructed Punjab and Haryana to collaborate on removing the barricades. A detailed order is expected to follow.
The court’s directive comes amid growing concerns about traffic disruptions and the impact on daily commuters and transport. In the previous hearing, the bench had instructed both states to submit detailed affidavits regarding the ongoing blockade at the Shambhu border, including specifics on the duration of the closures.
The bench noted: “The highways/national highways at the Shambhu border continue to be blocked, causing inconvenience to commuters. Both the states of Punjab and Haryana shall submit their affidavits on this aspect by the next hearing, detailing when the closures began and how long they are expected to continue.”
One of the petitions was filed by city-based advocate Uday Pratap Singh, seeking an urgent interim order to halt all “obstructive actions” by the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union of India against the farmers’ “peaceful” protests. Singh argued that the road blockade not only inconvenienced locals but also disrupted the movement of pedestrians, ambulances, school buses, and other vehicles.

High Court Sets Deadline For Shambhu Border Reopening Amid Farmer Protest

July 10, 2024, 1:16 pm

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Haryana government, instructing them to reopen the Shambhu border within a week amid Farmer Protest. This decision comes after the border, a crucial link between Punjab and Haryana, was reportedly blocked by protesting farmers and subsequently closed by the state government.

The court also emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in the region, which has been disrupted for over five months due to the border closure. This directive follows a PIL filed on July 6, seeking the passage of public transport and vehicles through the Shambhu border. NH 44, which the Shambhu border connects, is vital as it links New Delhi to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, serving as a lifeline for regional transportation and commerce.

Since February 13, farmer protest has been staging at Shambhu Border, prompting the closure of the border. This prolonged closure has significantly impacted the local populace, especially businesses in Ambala district, who have faced challenges in conducting their operations.

Haryana’s Transport Minister Aseem Goel has urged the Union agriculture minister to engage in dialogue with the protesting farmers to facilitate the reopening of the Shambhu border. He emphasized that resolving the issue would not only alleviate local hardships but also facilitate smoother business operations in the area.

The ongoing protests are part of the broader Delhi Chalo march organized by non-political groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, advocating for the fulfillment of their demands by the government.

Farmers’ protest: Police uses tear gas at Punjab-Haryana Border

February 21, 2024, 11:39 am

On Wednesday morning, the Haryana police deployed tear gas shells against protesting farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, who have been demonstrating for their Minimum Support Price (MSP) demand. Equipped with gas masks, bulldozers, and heavy machinery, the farmers continue to oppose the government.

The Haryana police issued a warning to owners of earthmover machines and bulldozers participating in the protest, cautioning them of potential criminal liability. In a statement on X, the police emphasized that these machines could be utilized to harm security forces, constituting a non-bailable offense.

In response to the police’s efforts to halt their march with barricades and tear gas shells, the farmers returned with modified JCB machines, earthmovers, bulldozers, and makeshift gas masks. The government has also taken countermeasures, placing reinforced boulders, loaded buses, trucks, and shipping containers to impede the farmers’ entry into the national capital.

To counter the farmers, the police have deployed bulldozers, while farmers’ leader Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed their commitment to a peaceful ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. He stated, “Our top leaders will move forward, and the entire world will see us moving ahead peacefully. If the government feels that by killing the farmers their problems will be solved, then it can do so. But we will continue to move forward peacefully.” Pandher emphasized that any violence would be the responsibility of the government.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the protesting farmers on Tuesday, stating that tractor-trolleys cannot be used on highways, citing the Motor Vehicle Act. The court underscored the existence of constitutional duties alongside rights.

The Haryana Police, on Tuesday, urged their Punjab counterparts to seize bulldozers, citing safety concerns. The ongoing protest by farmers centers around their demand for a legal guarantee of MSP for all crops. Despite the Central government’s offer of MSP on specific crops for the next five years on Monday, the protesting farmers rejected the proposal. The estimated presence at the Shambhu border includes around 14,000 farmers, accompanied by 1,200 tractors and 300 cars.

‘We are ready to die in interest of our nation..’ Farmer leaders set to resume ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest

February 21, 2024, 10:22 am

Addressing the media at the Shambhu border, farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal called on the government to remove barricades at the Shambhu border, enabling them to march peacefully to Delhi. They expressed their willingness to make sacrifices for the nation, stating, “We are ready to die in the interest of our nation… if any confrontation happens, those who had put up these barricades will be responsible… those who brought in paramilitary, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets at us, they will be responsible for what is gonna happen today,” as articulated by Sarwan Singh Pandher.

Punjab’s agitating farmer leaders are set to resume their ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest at 11 am on Wednesday, demanding a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops. According to government estimates, around 14,000 individuals, accompanied by 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses, have gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border. Concurrently, the Haryana government has extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa until Wednesday.

Previously, farmer leaders rejected the Centre’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP by government agencies for a five-year period, asserting that it was not in the farmers’ interest.

The protestors, numbering in the thousands, initiated their march to Delhi on February 13 but encountered a halt at the Haryana border, leading to confrontations with security personnel. Since then, the farmers have maintained a presence at the Shambhu and Khanauri points between Punjab and Haryana.

Organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the “Delhi Chalo” march is aimed at compelling the BJP-led Centre to fulfill their demands, including a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and the waiver of farm loans.

Despite the government’s proposal to purchase moong dal, urad dal, tur dal, maize, and cotton at the MSP for the next five years, the protesting farmer leaders have officially turned down the offer. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), asserted that it did not align with the farmers’ interests.

Four rounds of discussions between the farmers and Union ministers on February 8, 12, 15, and 18 have yielded no conclusive results. At the Shambhu border point, farmers have brought excavators to navigate the barricades established by Haryana security personnel, with some carrying masks for protection.

Stringent security measures are in effect, and the Haryana Police has urged their counterparts in Punjab to seize bulldozers and earthmoving equipment, citing a potential threat to security forces. In light of the ongoing agitation, the Haryana government extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk text-message services in seven districts until Wednesday.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar underscored the commitment to a peaceful march towards Delhi from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, emphasizing their intent to remain non-violent. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called for a daylong Parliament session to enact legislation on the MSP for crops, outlining three key demands – a legal guarantee on MSP, implementation of the “C2 plus 50 per cent” formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, and farm loan waiver. The farmers are also advocating for pension provisions, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in 2021, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during a previous agitation in 2020-21.

‘Delhi Chalo’ march on standby, says farmer leaders

February 19, 2024, 9:59 am

According to farmer leaders, the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march has been put on ‘standby’ because the central government has proposed a Minimum Support Price (MSP) at the fourth round of talks.
The farmer leaders stated that they will hold discussions on the government’s MSP proposal, and the march will resume ‘peacefully’ on February 21.

“So we will review this proposal with all our colleagues, some agricultural experts, and other legal experts and then we will be able to decide what to do about it. So today we will go and have a similar discussion with our colleagues. As far as our decision to go to Delhi was concerned, it is on standby right now, we have said that today it is the 19th and on the 21st at 11 am, we will move forward peacefully,” Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary, of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee said while speaking to ANI on Monday.

“In the meantime, we would like to make every effort from our side to put our point before the Centre today, its medium can be anything, then in these two days, yesterday the minister also said that there are still some things, so we will also go to Delhi and discuss with them,” the farmer leader said.

Protesting farmers are camped along the Shambhu Border near Ambala.
Tractors, trolleys, and vehicles were observed in significant numbers lining up at the border when the protests were halted.
The government has increased strong security at both the Shambhu and Gazipur borders, with multi-layered barricades preventing angry farmers from entering the national capital.

According to reports, hundreds of farmers, a few journalists, and police officers were hurt during the clash between protestors and security forces.
Earlier, Union Minister Piyush Goyal claimed to have had a very positive and comprehensive discussion with farmer leaders.

“With new ideas and thoughts, we had a positive discussion with the Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Union and other farmer leaders. We had a detailed discussion on how to carry forward the work done by PM Modi in the last 10 years,” he said.

Union ministries and farmer leaders had previously met on February 8, 12, and 15, but the meetings had ended without a resolution.

The striking Punjab farmers have made several requests, including an ordinance to ensure legal guarantees for MSPs and loan waivers.

The non-political Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have issued a ‘Delhi Chalo’ plea, pushing the BJP-led Centre to meet their requests.

Farmers from Punjab encountered security forces at the Shambhu and Khanauri border posts, located between Punjab and Haryana, as they began their march to the national capital on February 13.

Police fire tear gas at farmers gathered at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to resume ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest

February 14, 2024, 12:16 pm

Police used tear gas shells to disperse farmers attempting to breach the police barricade at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during the ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest. Delhi police have enforced Section 144 to maintain law and order, restricting entry of tractor trolleys and large gatherings. This has caused significant traffic jams at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border. Security has been heightened at the Singhu Border in Delhi with the deployment of Rapid Action Force personnel, Police personnel, and Riot Control Vehicles, following clashes between farmers and police at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana.

The protesting farmers, led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, are demanding 12 key reforms from the central government. These include a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, complete debt waiver, pension schemes for farmers and farm laborers, and scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. They are also demanding the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, punishment for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings, and 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), linked to farming. Additionally, they seek compensation for the families of farmers who died during the 2021 protests, along with job guarantees for their family members.

Chaos ensues at Shambhu Border as police fires tear gas after farmers attempt to Breach Barricades

February 13, 2024, 2:21 pm

On Tuesday, the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border saw chaotic scenes as angry farmers marched towards Delhi and attempted to break through police barricades.
Farmers were observed attempting to remove the cement wall with their tractors while attempting to reach the Shambhu border.
The police used tear gas to disperse protestors at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border as they attempted to breach the multi-layered barricades.

In preparation for the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, the police have deployed concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, barbed wires, police, and paramilitary men in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

On security deployment at the Jharoda border, DCP Dwarka Ankit Singh said, “Section 144 CrPC is imposed in the city, tractor trolleys are not allowed in the city. Social media monitoring has also been done. Drone is an effective tool for security monitoring, we will use it.”

Earlier in the day, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that all efforts were made during the conference to find a solution to prevent a confrontation with the government, and that they expected a positive outcome.
Union Minister Arjun Munda responded to the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by emphasizing the importance of patience and thought in addressing the farming community’s issues.

“We care about the interests of the farmers. It is not our concern if someone is doing politics over this issue. We have always been ready for talks and discussions and we are ready to do everything possible to find a solution to this issue.”

Arjun Munda is one of several ministers conducting discussions with farmer leaders, including Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State Nityanand Rai, and Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal.
The farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, for which they are marching to Delhi.
The protest was organized by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, which is led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.

According to the protesting farmers, the centre guaranteed them higher crop prices after which they terminated their 2021 protest.
They want to pass legislation ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as suggested by the Swaminathan Commission report.
They also want a comprehensive debt waiver and a system to pay pensions to farmers and farm workers.
Farmers have also advocated the repeal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which requires farmer approval and compensation equal to four times the collector rate.

They also demand that those responsible for the Lakhimpur Kheri massacres be punished.
Farmers have also made an appeal to offer 200 days of employment per year and a daily pay of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), which is linked to farming.
In addition, a demand has been made for compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021, as well as a job for any family member.