Massive protests have emerged on the borders of Noida and Haryana as farmers gather together to demonstrate their grievances. Amid the traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border, security has been deployed. The Rapid Action Force has also been called to take action against peaceful protests.
Noida police have clamped prohibitory orders to restrict farmers from gathering at the borders or entering Delhi. The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police said restrictions under CrPC Section 144 will be in effect on February 7 and 8. A traffic advisory has also been issued, providing different diversions for travelers.
Three years ago, in the freezing winter, the situation was similar, and the second round of agitation took over. Cement barriers, sandbags, and barbed wires, resembling those used during the 2020–21 protests, have been placed, and prohibitory orders imposed to ensure restrictions on entering Delhi.
Two Protests, many demands
The protest today comprises farmers from Noida and Greater Noida who have decided to take the route towards the Parliament. Months-long demonstrations demanded higher compensation and developed plots against their land acquired by the local development authorities.
The farmers in Haryana and Punjab, who have planned a tractor march on Tuesday, have several demands. They expect an efficient law to guarantee the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, a pension for farmers, crop insurance, and the scrapping of FIRs registered against farmers during the 2020 protest.
In the order announcing the curbs, senior police officer Hridesh Katheriya said, “The possibility of anti-national elements disturbing peace cannot be ruled out.” In a video message shared by the news agency ANI, senior officer Shivhari Meena said, “All borders have been sealed for 24 hours. All vehicles going towards Delhi are being checked. We are also taking steps to ensure that the common man does not face any problems. We are in talks with the farmers.”
Notices have been issued to the Haryana farmers, asking them not to join the protest and alerting them of “huge losses” if they do not obey. Haryana police have also sought assistance from central forces to block the farmers on its borders with Punjab.
The protest is being led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (apolitical) and not by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha that fronted the 2020 protests. Several other organizations from Haryana are also expected to join in.
A familiar narrative: Comparison to India
The demonstrations in the Netherlands in 2019 over government demands that livestock production be halved in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, and the agitation of Brussels residents who sprayed milk in the buildings or filled the streets with cattle, can be seen as the beginning of the farmer protests in Europe.
From Poland to engulf the European countries, including France, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal. From roadblocks to burned vehicles and trucks, the clash of farmers with the authorities has resulted in chaos, raising questions about the future of farmer products.
Shooting debts, competition from cheap imports, escalating prices, the consequences of climate change, and heavy EU regulations have ignited a fire that seems difficult to stop. While farmers are supposed to be content with the rush of low-cost imports, particularly from countries like Ukraine, regulations by the EU have made farming more expensive in Europe.
Europe is in the middle of frustration; Germany is witnessing protests amid the freezing temperature, and Greece has dumped its produce.
Lower production costs, fair distribution of subsidies, and relief from oppressive regulations are all the farmers’ demands.
To bear the minimum consequences of the uprisings, the European government has altered measures such as increasing diesel taxes and cutting subsidies. Despite the concessions made by the government, farmers argue that they are not sufficient to address their concerns.
The farmer protests in Europe draw striking parallels to those witnessed in India in 2020. Indian farmers in 2020 took to the streets to protest against the new agriculture laws, resulting in concessions to appease the protesters. Now, as India once again grapples with its own farmer unrest, the question arises: will governments listen and act in time to prevent crises?
