The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) strongly condemns the Central Government’s use of excessive state power and mass arrests to hinder the Delhi Chalo March led by farmers’ organizations. Shockingly, the administration deployed drones to drop tear gas shells on the farmers.
#WATCH | Drone visuals from the Singhu border in Delhi show the security arrangements as the farmers’ protest enters day 2. pic.twitter.com/iLTww2XLaA
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
Farmers Protest – Call for nationwide protest:
SKM urges its member organizations across India to protest vehemently against the attack on farmers in Punjab on February 16. The call includes organizing a Grameen Bandh and Industrial/Sectoral Strike across the country to amplify the impact.
Loss of confidence in Centre:
The SKM asserts that resorting to police and armed security forces to suppress the peaceful farmers’ struggle indicates a loss of confidence in the Centre. In a democratic society, every citizen has the right to peaceful protest, and the government has a responsibility to address their concrete demands.
Read More: Farmers Protest Live Updates: ‘Give Us Legal Guarantee On MSP’, Farmers
Farmers Protest – Unfulfilled promises on MSP:
Highlighting the unfulfilled promise of MSP@C2+50%, the SKM points out that the BJP and the present Prime Minister promised it in the 2014 election manifesto. After a decade, the promise remains unimplemented, leading to frustration among farmers.
Appeal to PM and like-minded organizations:
SKM has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the withdrawal of forces and the protection of farmers’ rights. An appeal has also been issued to like-minded organizations to join in building a united issue-based struggle on common demands.
Farmers Protest – Media reports on MSP guarantee law:
Sarwan Singh Pandher of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee responds to media reports, emphasizing the need for a legal guarantee on MSP to prevent selling crops below the specified price. He urges the Prime Minister to engage in direct dialogue with the farmers.
Read More: In Response To Farmers’ Action, Delhi Police Adopts Offensive Stance
Detentions and security measures:
Several protesting farmers have been detained by Haryana police, and security measures, including concrete slabs and barricades, have been deployed at Kurukshetra. Delhi police enforce Section 144 to maintain law and order, restricting entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies.
#WATCH | Security checks underway at Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana on second day of farmers’ protest. pic.twitter.com/1xz1AkOlgL
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
Farmers Protest – Rahul Gandhi’s assurance on MSP:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responds to the protest, pledging a legal guarantee of MSP to every farmer if the party comes to power. He emphasizes the importance of this step in transforming the lives of 15 crore farmer families.
12 demands presented to Central Government:
The farmers, led by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, are marching to Delhi with 12 demands for the central government. This historic protest aims to address the concerns of the farming community across the nation.