Farmers participating in the ‘Dilli Chalo‘ march have reiterated their commitment to continue their protest until the government addresses their demands. Despite pausing their march until February 29, they remain steadfast in their resolve, staging various events at the Punjab-Haryana border where they are encamped.
Candlelight Vigil Honors Fallen Farmer
A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday at the protest site to mourn the death of a farmer during the agitation. The deceased, Shubhkaran, aged 21, lost his life during a clash in Khanauri on February 21. The farmers are demanding justice for his death, insisting on the registration of an FIR against those responsible before proceeding with his cremation.
Authorities Partially Reopen Singhu and Tikri Borders
In a development aimed at easing tensions, authorities have initiated the process to partially reopen the Singhu and Tikri borders between Delhi and Haryana, which had been sealed since the protests began on February 13.
Government Urged to Address Concerns
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in discussions to find a solution to the ongoing impasse. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the development of the agriculture sector and expressed hope for further dialogue with the protesting farmers.
Scheduled Events at Protest Site
Various events and activities have been planned at the protest site in the coming days. Seminars will be organized today to discuss issues relevant to farmers, while effigies of the World Trade Organization and the Centre will be burnt on Monday. Meetings of forums associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are scheduled for February 27, followed by a common meeting on February 28. Farmer leaders will convene on February 29 to decide the next steps in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march.
Demands of the Protesters
The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and farm laborers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during previous agitations.
Key Points
- Protest on hold: Farmers have paused their “Dilli Chalo” march to Delhi until February 29th.
- Demands remain: Legal guarantee for MSP, Swaminathan Commission recommendations, pension for farmers, electricity tariff freeze, justice for Lakhimpur Kheri victims, Land Acquisition Act reinstatement, and compensation for deceased farmers.
- PM Modi urged to speak: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher asks Prime Minister to address the ongoing farmer issues.
- Candlelight march held: Farmers mourned the death of Shubhkaran, a 21-year-old farmer who died during the clash on February 21st.
- Talks open, but solution elusive: Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda reiterates government’s willingness for dialogue, while farmers hint at continuing protest even during elections.
- Events planned: Seminars, effigy burning, and meetings scheduled at the protest site over the next few days.
- Decision on next step: Farmers will convene on February 29th to decide the future course of action for the “Dilli Chalo” march.
