India – February 15, 2024: Clashes erupted on Tuesday at the Punjab-Haryana border as farmers launched their “Chalo Delhi” march, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. The protest, dubbed “Kisan Andolan 2.0,” was temporarily halted overnight but farmers vowed to resume their attempt to cross the border today.
Injuries Reported, Tensions High:
The confrontation between farmers and Haryana police turned violent, with both sides sustaining injuries. Police deployed tear gas and drones to disperse the protesters, while farmers attempted to push past barricades. Punjab authorities issued an alert to hospitals in nearby districts to prepare for an influx of injured individuals.
MSP Guarantee Remains Central Demand:
Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, emphasized the importance of a legal guarantee on MSP. “Media reports suggest the law might not happen soon,” he said from the Shambhu Border in Delhi. “We simply demand a legal assurance to prevent selling crops below MSP. No committees are needed. We urge the Prime Minister to engage in direct dialogue with farmers.”
Uncertainty & Calls for Dialogue:
While the farmers remain determined to proceed, uncertainty hangs over the situation. The government has acknowledged their concerns but offered no concrete solutions on the MSP issue. Opposition parties have expressed support for the farmers, criticizing the government’s response.
Key Issues and Demands:
- Legal Guarantee on MSP: Farmers fear exploitation without a legal mandate ensuring fair prices for their produce.
- Implementation of Swaminathan Commission Recommendations: This commission proposed a formula for calculating MSP based on production costs and profit margins.
- Debt Relief and Improved Credit Access: Many farmers struggle with mounting debt, highlighting the need for financial support.
- Investment in Infrastructure and Irrigation: Farmers seek better infrastructure and irrigation systems to reduce wastage and improve market access.
#WATCH | Security checks underway at Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana on second day of farmers' protest. pic.twitter.com/1xz1AkOlgL
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
#WATCH | Jhajjar, Haryana: Early morning visuals of the security arrangements in Bahadurgarh as the farmers have announced to continue to march towards the National Capital. pic.twitter.com/tV1Lsuy2Gk
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
#WATCH | Jhajjar, Haryana: DSP Anil Kumar says, "Currently, the atmosphere is peaceful. Traffic has been diverted. The movement of the pedestrians is normal…" pic.twitter.com/YzKkhSZHU1
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
#WATCH | RAF personnel, Police personnel and Riot Control Vehicle deployed at Singhu Border in Delhi in view of farmers' protest. pic.twitter.com/ewUgw0KoSw
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
#WATCH | Jhajjar, Haryana: Early morning visuals of the security arrangements in Bahadurgarh as the farmers have announced to continue to march towards the National Capital. pic.twitter.com/tV1Lsuy2Gk
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
