Farmers, govt prep for 3rd round of talks as protests escalate

PTC News Desk: As protests escalate, the government and farmer leaders prepare for their third round of talks scheduled for Wednesday evening. The aim is to address the deadlock over key demands amidst the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' protest march, now in its third day.

Representatives from both the Centre and protesting farmer unions are poised for discussions. Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai will engage with farmer leaders via video conferencing to find a resolution. Despite previous unsuccessful meetings, farmers remain steadfast in their protest. Thousands continue their march towards Delhi, emphasizing their determination to press on with the agitation.

To address the ongoing situation, senior Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Arjun Munda held discussions on Wednesday. While the details of their meeting remain undisclosed, it signals a concerted effort by the government to engage with farmer concerns and work towards a solution.

Also Read: What are the key demands of farmers are still unresolved? 

Also Read: Intel: Farmers' protest 2.0 uses 6 months' ration, gurdwaras, ashrams as hideouts

Here's the latest on the farmers' protest:

1. Harmeet Singh Kadian of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab Chapter has announced a nationwide strike for February 16.

2. Additional protests are scheduled at toll plazas across Punjab on February 15 from 11 AM to 2 PM.

3. Security forces at the Shambhu border used tear gas to disperse farmers attempting to breach barricades, leading to clashes with some protesters responding by throwing stones.

4. Some farmers flew kites in an attempt to down a police drone monitoring the protests at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana.

5. Haryana Police have fortified the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border with barricades to prevent farmers from proceeding to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys.

6. Demonstrations continued despite clashes and injuries reported on the first day of the 'Delhi Chalo' march.

7. The Delhi Police warned of heavy traffic on the DND Flyway due to security checks and advised commuters to seek alternative routes.

8. Barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls have been erected at key points around Delhi, such as Ghazipur, Singhu, and Tikri, to prevent the farmers' advance.

9. Protesting farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Also Read: Farmers to resume Delhi march amid chaos at Punjab-Haryana border 

Also Read: Farmers' Delhi Chalo March Day 3 : Farmers and government prepare for third round of talks amid escalating protests

(Inputs from agencies)