Farmers’ organizations are gearing up for another attempt to enter Delhi on Wednesday, escalating their ongoing protests to highlight various demands before the government. The Delhi Police has heightened security measures at key points such as the Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur borders, as well as increased vigilance at railway stations, metro stations, and bus stands across the city. This renewed push comes after the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) jointly issued a call on March 3 for farmers from all over the country to converge in Delhi on March 6.
The central demand of these farmers revolves around a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, along with other pressing issues such as pension provisions for farmers and laborers, and farm debt waivers. Additionally, a commitment to not raise electricity tariffs, among others,. To further emphasize their stance, the farmers have scheduled a nationwide four-hour rail roko (rail blockade) on March 10.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest, initially launched on February 13, faced significant hurdles as security forces intervened at the Haryana-Punjab border, resulting in clashes. Since then, the farmers have maintained a continuous presence at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points situated between Punjab and Haryana.
Despite at least four rounds of talks between the protesting farmers and the central government, a consensus on their demands remains elusive. The unresolved issues have led to the continuation and intensification of the protests, marked by the latest call for nationwide mobilization.
As the farmers renew their efforts to enter the capital, tensions remain high, with the Delhi Police strategically reinforcing security measures to manage potential disruptions at crucial entry points and key transportation hubs. The farmers, undeterred by previous setbacks, are determined to make their voices heard and press for the fulfillment of their longstanding demands.
