Farmers' Delhi Chalo March: The protesting farmers are set to embark on their 'Delhi Chalo' march today, demanding urgent attention from the Centre regarding their key grievances. Foremost among these demands is the enactment of legislation guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce—a vital safety net for farmers grappling with market volatility.
Additional points of contention include the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, compensation for farmers who lost their lives in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the withdrawal of cases against individuals involved in the farmers' movement. Despite a late-night agreement on some of these matters, farmers remain resolute, asserting that the government has yet to fulfill its promises made two years ago.
While the government has shown willingness to withdraw cases against farmers implicated during the 2020-21 agitation, the farmers are insistent on securing legal assurances for MSP, emphasizing its importance as a cornerstone demand.
Key farmer leaders such as Jagjit Singh Dallewal from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Sarwan Singh Pandher from the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee remain skeptical about the government's commitment to addressing the broader spectrum of demands.
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The government's proposal to establish a committee to deliberate on MSP guarantees, debt waivers, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations has not fully assuaged farmer representatives.
In addition to the aforementioned demands, farmers are also advocating for the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and compensation for families of farmers who perished during previous protests.
With the 'Delhi Chalo' march gaining momentum, security measures at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders have been bolstered. The Delhi police have implemented stringent measures, including the installation of nails along barricades and the utilization of cranes and earthmovers to obstruct roads, aiming to prevent protesting vehicles from entering the city.
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(Inputs from agencies)