Punjab Farmers to Resume ‘Delhi Chalo’ March for MSP Support Amidst Heightened Tensions

Thousands of farmers from Punjab are set to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march today, renewing their call for MSP support across all crops. Following unsuccessful talks with the central government, protesting farmers currently stationed at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border have decided to reignite their agitation. Anticipated security measures to halt the march could lead to traffic disruptions in Delhi and its environs.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and resolve the protest. Pandher emphasized the farmers’ plea for MSP guarantees, expressing dismay over what they perceive as governmental oppression. Assuring peaceful demonstrations, Pandher reiterated the farmers’ commitment to non-violence while urging the Prime Minister to address their demands.

Government estimates suggest approximately 14,000 individuals have congregated along the Punjab-Haryana border, employing a variety of vehicles including tractor trolleys, cars, and mini-buses. Additionally, 4,500 individuals with 500 tractors have been permitted to gather at the Dhabi-Gujran barrier. The Ministry of Home Affairs has communicated its concerns to the Punjab government regarding the deteriorating law-and-order situation, citing alleged instances of misconduct disguised as farmer activities, including stone-pelting and mobilization of heavy machinery. Objections have been raised by the Home Ministry regarding the use of tractors, JCB machines, and other heavy equipment during protests.

Farmers have rejected the government’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP through government agencies for a five-year period, opting instead to proceed with their march towards Delhi. Recent clashes with Haryana police involved the deployment of barbed wires, concrete barricades, and tear gas shells, prompting farmers to introduce heavy machinery such as excavators and JCB machines to aid their progress. Police are planning to impede the farmers’ advance using loaded shipping containers, with heightened security measures in place at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders.

A total of 8,000 security personnel have been deployed at the three main entry points into Delhi, bolstering barriers with concrete reinforcements, barbed wires, and iron nails. Dumpers, cranes, and earthmovers are being utilized to prevent tractor access to the capital. Farmers are strategizing two main routes to enter Delhi, one via Shambhu, Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat, and the other via Khanouri, Jind, and Rohtak on the Punjab-Haryana border.