After spending several days at the Punjab-Haryana border, protesting farmers are set to resume their 'Dilli Chalo' march starting today, March 6. The decision comes following clashes that occurred, resulting in injuries to both farmers and policemen. Farmers from across the country will converge in Delhi, utilizing buses and trains to reach the national capital. The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), two umbrella bodies leading the farmer's agitation, have issued a call for farmers nationwide to participate in the march, scheduled for Wednesday, March 6. Additionally, the farmers have announced plans for a four-hour countrywide rail roko protest on March 10, urging the central government to address their demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, pension for farmers and farm labourers, and farm debt waiver, among others.
Enhanced Security Measures by Delhi Police
In anticipation of the 'Delhi Chalo' march, the Delhi Police have bolstered security measures at the Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur borders, as well as at railway and metro stations and bus stands across the city. Personnel have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance in these areas, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance. Temporary barriers for commuters at Singhu and Tikri borders have been removed, with police and paramilitary forces deployed to enforce law and order. Additional security forces have been stationed at key transit points to prevent any breaches of law.
Chronology of Farmers' Delhi Chalo March
The farmers commenced their march on February 13 but were met with resistance at the border of Haryana and Punjab, leading to confrontations with security forces. Since then, they have stationed themselves at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between the two states. Despite four rounds of talks with the central government, no resolution has been reached. Intensified checking at various locations by the police may result in traffic congestion within the city.
Demands of the Protesting Farmers
The protesting farmers have articulated a list of 12 demands to the central government, centering around agricultural reforms. Foremost among their demands is the enactment of a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. They also seek a comprehensive debt waiver program, establishment of a pension scheme for farmers and labourers, and opposition to the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. Additionally, they advocate for the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, emphasizing provisions for farmers' consent and compensation set at four times the collector rate.
In 2020, farmers from Punjab and nearby regions gathered at the Shambhu border, breaking police barriers to march towards Delhi. The year-long protest on Delhi's border points against the now-repealed farm laws saw participation from farmers primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, culminating in the current phase of protests at the borders of the national capital.