Farmers Protest LIVE : Delhi is currently experiencing a high level of security measures, with personnel equipped in anti-riot gears and concrete barricades strategically placed to control access to various roads.
Delhi is under a heavy security cover with personnel in anti-riot gears & concrete barricades regulating access to several roads.
The ongoing farmers’ protest witnessed a significant development today as members from various unions embarked on a march towards the national capital. To ensure the maintenance of law and order amidst the farmers’ ‘Delhi chalo’ call, the Delhi Police has deployed a substantial number of personnel at the borders. These dedicated officers are currently guarding the borders and taking necessary measures to uphold peace and security. Additionally, the authorities have implemented a multi-layered barricading system and stationed both police and paramilitary forces to seal off the national capital borders at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur.
In an effort to enhance security measures, central Delhi has been placed under a robust security cover. Anti-riot personnel have been strategically deployed throughout the area, equipped with appropriate gear to handle any potential disturbances. Furthermore, the access to several key roads has been regulated through the placement of metal and concrete barricades. These measures aim to control the movement of individuals and maintain order in the heart of the city.
Yesterday, the Delhi Metro took precautionary steps by regulating the entry and exit of passengers at nine stations. In light of the farmers’ march towards the national capital, certain gates were temporarily closed for several hours. This proactive approach was taken to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the metro system during this period of heightened activity. The authorities are actively monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions to minimize any potential disruptions.
Thousands of farmers, who were demanding minimum crop prices, faced the deployment of tear gas by the police as they attempted to advance towards New Delhi. After unsuccessful negotiations with the government, the protesters were met with thick clouds of tear gas at the Shambhu border near Ambala, which is located around 200 kilometers north of the capital. In an additional measure, the police utilized drones to release tear gas canisters from the air, further dispersing the demonstrators.
Although the police are not actively obstructing the farmers’ movement from the state towards Delhi, a state of high alert has been declared in Punjab. As a precautionary measure, approximately 70% of the entire state police force has been instructed to remain on duty in the field, ensuring the maintenance of law and order during this period of unrest.
What are the reasons behind the farmers’ protests and what are the demands they are making?
– The Center is being urged by the farmers to address their demands through a large-scale protest.
– In 2021, the farm organizations had agreed to end their protest against the repealed farm laws on the condition that a minimum support price (MSP) be guaranteed by legislation.
– The farmers are also advocating for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, as well as pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, and the forgiveness of farm debts.
– According to the farmers, it is the responsibility of the Center to provide “justice” for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
– The farm organizations are staging a significant demonstration to compel the Center to acknowledge their list of demands.
The report on MSP was presented by the Swaminathan committee during the period of 2006-07. Following this, the former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, sought to make a decision and established a panel under the National Development Council. At that time, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, served as the head of this panel. In February 2011, the panel submitted their report to Manmohan Singh. Modi emphasized the need for giving MSP a legal status. Subsequent discussions took place. Congress communication in-charge, Jairam Ramesh, stated, “We then lost power at the center.”