‘Delhi Chalo’ March Update: Farmer Leaders to Decide Future Plans on February 29
New Delhi, 24th February 2024: New Delhi: Farmer leaders have announced that the future course of action for their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march will be decided on February 29. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are leading the protests and have outlined a series of activities for the coming week. Until then, farmers are determined to remain at two protest sites on the Punjab-Haryana border – Shambhu and Khanauri.
Planned activities include a candle march, seminars on farmer-related issues, and the burning of effigies of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ministers. Additionally, meetings of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha forums are scheduled for the subsequent two days.
The farmers’ demands, which include a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP), the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, and a farm loan waiver, continue to be central to the agitation.
Following clashes at Khanauri on Wednesday, resulting in one protester’s death and injuries to a dozen police personnel, the farmers decided to defer their march for two days. The death of a 21-year-old protester, Shubhkaran Singh, led to grievances against the Punjab government regarding the registration of an FIR and demands for justice and ‘martyr’ status.
Despite compensation and a job offer announced by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for Singh’s sister, the protestors insisted on an FIR against those deemed responsible for his death. Another farmer, 62-year-old Darshan Singh, from Amargarh village in Bathinda, also passed away from a heart attack at the Khanauri border, marking the fourth casualty during the ongoing protests.
In response to the situation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the formation of a three-member committee of ministers for negotiations with the farmers. Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts.
Prominent Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait stressed the need for a resolution through dialogue. He highlighted the role of people in forest areas in protecting the environment and called for a solution through continuous talks with the government.
