Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are gearing up for a massive protest in the national capital, Delhi, as their meeting with Union ministers failed to bring about a resolution. The ‘Chalo Delhi’ march, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is set to cause disruptions in Delhi NCR on Tuesday. Despite a five-hour meeting with central ministers Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda, the farmers are adamant about proceeding with their march. 

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The primary demand of the protesting farmers is a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. This assurance is crucial to them, and the lack of it is the main trigger for their ongoing protest. Additionally, the farmers are pushing for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations and seeking relief through a farm debt waiver. The ‘Chalo Delhi’ march aims to emphasize these demands and put pressure on the central government to address the concerns of the agricultural community.

Source: India Today

Farmers have outlined several conditions they want the government to address. These include not only the legal guarantee of MSP but also pension benefits for farmers and farm laborers. The demand for justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence is also prominent among their conditions. The multifaceted nature of their demands reflects the complexity of the issues faced by the farming community and their determination to secure comprehensive solutions.

To manage the impending protest, Delhi’s borders, particularly at Singh, Tikri, and Ghazipur, have witnessed heightened security. Authorities have installed cement barricades, metal nails, and barriers to control the movement of vehicles and maintain order in the national capital. The imposition of section 144 at the Uttar Pradesh borders is a preventative measure to avoid any untoward incidents ahead of the farmers’ march.

Source: Mint

Over 50,000 security personnel have been deployed at the borders of Delhi. The areas of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa will experience a suspension of internet and bulk SMS services on February 13. The massive security presence underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing any potential disruptions during the protest.

To manage the situation effectively, authorities have erected multiple layers of barricades, concrete blocks, and iron nails at key border points, including Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur. Makeshift jails have been set up at specific locations in anticipation of potential disturbances during the ‘Chalo Delhi’ march on Tuesday. These measures indicate a proactive approach by authorities to maintain law and order and handle any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the protest.

Source: Hindustan Times

Despite a five-hour meeting between farm leaders and Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda, consensus on major issues remains elusive. While the ministers claimed agreement on most matters, the farmers insisted on continuing with their planned march. The inconclusive meeting sets the stage for a tense standoff between the government and the protesting farmers, adding further significance to the ‘Chalo Delhi’ march.