1. Farmers participating in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march continue to protest at the Punjab-Haryana border.
2. March temporarily paused until February 29, with activities ongoing at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
3. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher asserts protest will persist until all demands are met.
New Delhi, Feb 25: Thousands of farmers engaged in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march persist at the Punjab-Haryana border, affirming their protest until all demands are addressed, as stated by farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
They have temporarily halted the march until February 29 and are conducting various activities at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
A candlelight vigil was observed on Saturday to mourn the recent death of a farmer during the agitation.
Simultaneously, authorities have begun the process of partially reopening the Singhu and Tikri borders, which had been closed since the protests commenced on February 13.
Continued Agitation at Punjab-Haryana Border
- Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher vows to continue the protest until all demands are met, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address their concerns.
- The ‘Dilli Chalo’ march has been paused until February 29, with various events planned at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
- A candlelight march was organized to honor the farmer who died during the ongoing agitation.
Partial Reopening of Singhu and Tikri Borders
- Authorities 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.
- This move aims to ease the situation and facilitate dialogue between the government and protesting farmers.
Ongoing Activities and Events
- Farmer leaders plan seminars at the protest site to discuss issues related to farmers.
- Effigies of the World Trade Organization and the Centre will be burnt on Monday as a form of protest.
- Meetings of forums associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) will be held nationwide on February 27.
- A common meeting of SKM and KMM forums is scheduled for February 28 to strategize further actions.
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Key Demands and Grievances
- The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, and pension for farmers and farm laborers.
- They also seek justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families affected by previous agitations.
Government’s Response and Call for Dialogue
- Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in discussions and find solutions.
- He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and expressed openness to suggestions, affirming the government’s commitment to agricultural development.
Future Plans and Decision-making
- Farmer leaders will convene a meeting on February 29 to decide the next steps in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march and the ongoing agitation.
- Thousands of farmers remain stationed at Khanauri and Shambhu borders, determined to press for their demands and seek justice for fellow farmers.
Thousands of farmers remain stationed at Khanauri and Shambhu after authorities halted their march to Delhi.
They demand a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who died in previous agitations, among other grievances.
