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The ongoing struggle of Indian farmers to secure a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) took another turn on Saturday as a group of 101 farmers attempted to march from the Shambhu border towards Delhi. Their attempt, the third of its kind, was thwarted by Haryana security personnel who erected multilayered barricades, effectively halting the protest march shortly after it began. This highlights the persistent tension and deadlock between the protesting farmers and the central government. The farmers, affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), have been persistently demanding not only the MSP guarantee but also a range of other crucial measures, including debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and a halt to electricity tariff hikes. Their list of demands also includes the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesting farmers, justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during previous agitations.
The Ambala district administration, in anticipation of the farmers' march, proactively implemented a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), effectively banning unlawful assemblies of five or more people. This preemptive measure underscores the government's determination to prevent the protest from reaching the national capital. The Ambala police had previously stated that the farmers would only be permitted to march to Delhi with prior approval from the Delhi administration, a condition that seemingly remains unmet. The government's actions also extended to the digital realm. In a move aimed at preventing the spread of information and coordination amongst protesters, the Haryana government temporarily suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in twelve villages within the Ambala district, a measure that lasted until December 17th. This digital clampdown, while justified by the authorities as a necessary step to maintain public order, raises concerns about freedom of speech and the right to assembly.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the ongoing fast-unto-death by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border point. Entering its 19th day, Dallewal's health has deteriorated significantly, with doctors recommending hospitalization. Despite his precarious health, the protesting farmers have created a protective security ring around him to prevent state authorities from forcibly removing him from the protest site. This reflects the unwavering commitment and determination of the farmers to continue their struggle, even in the face of potential health risks and government intervention. The earlier forceful removal of Dallewal by the Punjab Police on November 26th, just hours before he was to begin his fast, further fuels the tension and mistrust between the protesters and the authorities. The involvement of prominent SKM leader Rakesh Tikait, who recently visited Dallewal and called for unity amongst farmer groups, underscores the broader implications of the ongoing protest and the growing solidarity within the farming community.
The farmers' demands encompass a broad spectrum of concerns affecting the agrarian sector in India. Beyond the central demand for a legally guaranteed MSP, the farmers seek solutions to pressing issues such as farm debt, inadequate social security for farmers and farm laborers, and escalating electricity costs. The inclusion of demands relating to the Lakhimpur Kheri violence and the Land Acquisition Act reflects the farmers' broader concerns about justice, land rights, and government policies impacting their livelihoods. The continued protests, despite repeated attempts to suppress them, indicate a deep-seated dissatisfaction and a resolve to push for significant changes in government policies that affect the agricultural sector. The long-term implications of this ongoing struggle remain to be seen, but it clearly signifies the significant challenge posed by the farmers' demands to the government.
The situation at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points, where farmers have been camping since February 13th, underscores the protracted nature of this conflict. The repeated attempts by the farmers to march to Delhi, each met with forceful resistance from the authorities, demonstrate the intensity of their resolve. The government's response, involving prohibitory orders, internet shutdowns, and physical barriers, highlights the sensitivity of the issue and the perceived threat it poses to the status quo. The convergence of issues, from economic concerns to questions of justice and human rights, makes this protest a complex and multifaceted challenge for the government to address. The ongoing fast-unto-death and the continued defiance of the farmers signal that this conflict is far from over and will likely continue to garner national attention until a resolution is reached.
Source: Farmers resume march from Shambhu border towards Delhi, stopped by Haryana security personnel