1. Farmer leaders reject government proposals to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years.
2. Leaders announce the continuation of the march to Delhi on February 21 amidst ongoing protest.
3. Decision follows rejection of proposal during fourth round of talks with Union ministers.
New Delhi, Feb 20: Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest, farmer leaders have rejected the government’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at Minimum Support Price (MSP) by government agencies for five years.
Continuing the March
Farmer leaders have announced their decision to continue their march towards Delhi on February 21. This decision comes after the rejection of the government’s proposal, with leaders asserting that it is not in the farmers’ interest.
Key Demands
The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee on MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases related to the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who died during previous agitations.
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Farmers’ Response
The rejection of the government’s proposal has prompted farmers to announce their march towards Delhi. They have appealed to the government to address their issues or allow them to proceed to Delhi for peaceful protests.
Previous Clashes
Earlier clashes between farmers and police personnel occurred at the Shambhu border near Ambala, with Haryana Police firing tear gas shells to disperse protesters. The situation escalated, leading to clashes on the first two days of the protest.
Support from Political Figures
Various political figures, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, have urged the Punjab government to prioritize decisions in the interest of farmers amidst the ongoing protests.
Further Plans
Protesting farmers’ groups in Noida and Greater Noida have announced plans to march to Delhi on February 23. Their demands include resolutions regarding developed plots and increased compensation for land acquired in the past.
Past Attempts
Protestors had previously attempted to march to Delhi on February 8 but were met with stepped-up security measures. After receiving assurances from local authorities and the Uttar Pradesh government, the march was called off.
The farmers’ protest continues as they stand firm on their demands, rejecting the government’s proposals and persisting in their march towards Delhi to voice their grievances and seek redressal for their issues.
