Protesting farmers from various farmer unions continued their demonstration today and began their march towards the national capital. The Delhi Police, stationed at the borders, are currently ensuring the security and upholding law and order in response to the farmers’ ‘Delhi chalo’ call.
To secure the national capital borders at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur, a significant number of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed, along with multiple layers of barricades.
In Central Delhi, strict security measures have been implemented, with anti-riot personnel strategically positioned and metal and concrete barricades controlling access to key roads.
Yesterday, in anticipation of the farmers’ march towards Delhi, the Delhi Metro regulated the entry and exit of passengers at nine stations by temporarily closing some gates for several hours.
In an attempt to prevent thousands of farmers from advancing towards New Delhi after unsuccessful negotiations with the government regarding minimum crop prices, the police resorted to using tear gas. Thick clouds of tear gas were dispersed at the Shambhu border near Ambala, located approximately 200 kilometers north of the capital. Furthermore, drones were utilized by the police to drop tear gas canisters from the air.
Although the police are not actively obstructing the farmers’ movement from the state towards Delhi, Punjab has declared a state of high alert. Approximately 70% of the state police force has been instructed to remain on duty in the field.
What is the reason behind the farmers’ protest and what are the objectives they are striving for?
The farmers have organized a large-scale protest in order to compel the government to acknowledge their set of demands.
The agricultural organizations are advocating for the implementation of a minimum support price (MSP), a requirement they had specified in 2021 when they agreed to end their protest against the now-repealed farm laws.
Furthermore, the farmers are pushing for the implementation of the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission, provision of pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, and the forgiveness of agricultural debts.
According to the farmers, the government should ensure “justice” for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.