Since morning, tensions at the border have escalated as farmers broke barricades at the Shambhu border to enter Delhi. Tear gas has been fired multiple times at Shambhu and Khanauri. Farmers are using swimming goggles, gas masks, water bottles as shields for their stomachs, biking costumes, and other tools to fight in the smoke.
While the Center has once again called for discussions with the farmer protesters to address all issues and concerns, a reply from the farmers is awaited.
According to reports on Tuesday, the Centre has expressed severe reservations to the Punjab government regarding the estimated 14,000 individuals who have congregated along the Punjab-Haryana border, with 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars, 10 mini-buses, and other small vehicles. The Union Home Ministry has also advised the Punjab administration to take strict action against lawbreakers, stating in a communication that the state’s declining law-and-order situation has been a cause for concern in recent days.
Security Beefed up at Delhi Borders as Farmers Prepare for ‘Delhi Chalo’ March
In anticipation of the resumption of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by protesting farmers, security measures have been intensified at the borders of Delhi. Law enforcement authorities have undertaken various precautionary measures to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the public.
A significant deployment of security personnel, including 114 companies comprising 64 paramilitary forces and 50 from the Haryana Police, has been stationed at strategic locations, particularly at Tikri and Singhu borders. These forces are tasked with maintaining vigilance and preventing any untoward incidents.
Internet Suspended till 21
On Tuesday, Haryana extended suspension of mobile internet in 7 districts till Feb 21. The affected districts are Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. The government had earlier extended the suspension of mobile internet on February 13, 15, 17 and 19.
In the order, Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana T V S N Prasad said,”There is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in above-mentioned districts on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumors,” Prasad said.
Govt temporarily blocks 177 social media accounts, web links
The government has ordered temporary blocking of around 177 social media accounts and web links that are linked to the farmers’ protest, according to sources. The orders were issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on February 14 and 19 at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs under section 69A of the IT Act.
“The orders have been issued to temporarily block 177 social media accounts and web links to maintain law and order on request of the Ministry of Home Affairs,” the source said.
Links and accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and some other social media platforms have been ordered to be blocked. These accounts can be restored after the farmers’ agitation is over, the source added.
30,000 tear gas shells deployed at the borders
Deputy Commissioner of Police Jimmy Chiram affirmed the readiness of the Delhi Police to manage the situation effectively. Mock security drills have been conducted, and security personnel have been instructed to prevent any unauthorized entry into Delhi. Additionally, 30,000 tear gas shells have been stocked up as a precautionary measure.
To enhance surveillance capabilities, drones and CCTV cameras are being utilized to monitor the movement of individuals and identify any potential threats. This technological intervention aims to preemptively address any disruptive activities by miscreants.
Also read: https://foej.in/delhi-chalo-2-0-farmers-continue-to-stay-on-the-borders/: Farmer Protest: 24-Year-old Died Farmer diesPermanent blockade of one side of the Delhi-Patiala national
Beginning in the evening of February 21, the Haryana Sanyukt Kisan Morcha declared a permanent blockade of one side of the Delhi-Patiala national highway near the Uchana Kalan tehsil office in Jind district. To choose whether to participate in the march, the 24 member khaps and farmer unions of the front met in a mahapanchayat on Tuesday at Uchana Kalan.
The Haryana SKM passed four resolutions: they demanded the restoration of the internet, the release of the farmers from police prison, the beginning of a pucca morcha, and the removal of police roadblocks.
Farmers’ Intentions
Despite the heightened security measures, farmer leaders have reiterated their commitment to peaceful protest. Leaders such as Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal have emphasized their intention to march towards Delhi peacefully, urging the government to address their demands regarding Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee and other agricultural issues.
Also read: https://foej.in/farmer-protest-will-center-compromise-to-the-demands/: Farmer Protest: 24-Year-old Died Farmer diesEmphasizing on farmer’s aim for a peaceful march to Delhi, Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “We have asked the government to kill us,but please don’t oppress the farmers.. We ask the Prime Minister to step forward and halt this demonstration by introducing legislation that guarantees farmers the minimum price per share (MSP)..Such a government will not be forgiven by the nation..The villages of Haryana are home to paramilitary soldiers.What offence have we perpetrated?..You now have the position of Prime Minister. We never imagined that the powers would subjugate us in this manner..Please defend the Constitution, and allow us to travel to Delhi in peace. We have the right to this.
“The government should remove the barricades and let us come in… Otherwise, they should fulfil our demands… We are peaceful… If they extend one hand, we will also cooperate… We have to handle the situation with patience… I appeal to the youngsters to not lose control,” Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal announced.
Punjab Government
Punjab Government officials wemt to Shambhu border to meet agitating farmers who are set to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. Various stakeholders, including Punjab Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, have appealed for calm and urged both the protesters and authorities to exercise restraint. They have underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving the ongoing impasse.
“The situation at the border is very tense because the negotiation between Government and farmers yielded no results..The CM has given me the responsibility and we have made all arrangements at the hospitals in all border districts. Ambulances have also been placed. We have made all the arrangements. I still appeal that only plastic pellets should be used. The day the protest started, a lot of people came to me with bullet injuries and also that they lost their eyesight. I urge everyone to observe restraint and present their demands in a peaceful manner,” Punjab Minister Dr Balbir Singh said.
Legal Support and Political Backing
Legal initiatives, such as the filing of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in support of the farmers’ rights, underscore the multifaceted nature of the ongoing protests. The Punjab government is in its favour, but Haryana and UT (Chandigarh) are against it. Any order from the High Court does not stop the farmers from using tractors and heavy machinery during the protest. We will fight this in the Supreme Court if needed,” said Advocate Uday Pratap Singh on a PIL filed in Punjab Haryana high court for farmers’ right to protest.
Political figures, including Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, have voiced solidarity with the farmers, advocating for the fulfillment of their demands.
“We are supporting them (farmers). We are saying openly that their reasonable demands should be fulfilled. We are going to say this in our election manifesto also that a legal guarantee will be given. All crops cannot be covered but the essential crops should be done (providing MSP),” Mallikarjun Kharge said. On Farmers’ Protest, National President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We are with them.”
Farmer meeting on Thursday
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) plans to convene a crucial meeting to chart the future course of the agitation. This gathering will bring together farmers from across the country to strategize and articulate their demands comprehensively.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said during a protest by farmers in Meerut, UP, “We are protesting infront of DM office over issues such as MSP guarantee law and others. We will decide our future course of action in SKM’s meeting tomorrow.”
Fifth round of talks, invitation to farmer leaders for discussion
Inviting the farmer leaders for the fifth round of talks, Union minister Arjun Munda said, “After the fourth round, the government is ready to discuss all the issues like MSP demand, crop diversification, stubble issue, FIR in the fifth round. I again invite the farmer leaders for discussion. It is important for us to maintain peace.”
Also read: https://foej.in/what-is-the-five-year-plan-rejected-by-the-farmers/: Farmer Protest: 24-Year-old Died Farmer diesBJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said on the ongoing farmers’ protest, “Agriculture minister Arjun Munda has offered talks today also. Solutions will emerge from talks, discussion. We would appeal to them (farmers) that the issue should be resolved peacefully. We have already discussed how much work our government has done for the farmers. Development of farmers is one of the biggest priorities.”
“Government has done so much for farmers. Farmers’ progress is our priority and would continue to remain so,” Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
In the fourth round of talks with the farmer leaders on Sunday, a panel of three Union ministers proposed that government agencies would buy pulses, maize and cotton at the MSP for five years after entering into an agreement with farmers. Farmer leaders refused the proposal, saying it was not in favor of farmers.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said on Agriculture minister Arjun Munda’s invite to protesting farmers for a fifth round of discussion on all issues including the minimum support price (MSP), “Let us think it over, we will speak after that.”
