Farmers’ March to Delhi: All You Need to Know
Farmers from across India are preparing to march toward Delhi, demanding critical reforms, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Authorities have intensified security at the Ambala-Delhi border to manage the situation, with prohibitory orders in place to prevent unlawful assemblies and processions. This move follows a series of recent protests, including a hunger strike at the Khanauri border and an earlier attempt to march toward Parliament.
On Friday, a group of 101 farmers is set to begin their march from the Shambhu Border at 1 PM, under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The Ambala administration has invoked restrictive measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibiting gatherings of five or more individuals and any processions without prior approval. Authorities have urged the farmers to reconsider their plans, but the protestors are determined to proceed with their march.
Police have deployed multi-layer barricading at the Ambala-Delhi border and stationed central paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. Senior officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any untoward incidents. The heightened security measures reflect the authorities’ cautious approach, given the intensity of the ongoing farmers’ protests.
The farmers’ demands center on securing a legal framework for MSP to ensure fair prices for their crops. Additionally, they seek a freeze on electricity tariff hikes, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and further reforms to uplift the agricultural community and laborers. For farmers in Noida and Greater Noida, the grievances include unresolved issues related to land acquisition from 1997, where they have been demanding compensation or equivalent plots.
The march coincides with the 297th day of farmers’ prolonged protest against the government. At the Khanauri border, a group of farmers continues their indefinite hunger strike, now in its 11th day, showcasing their determination to have their voices heard. Earlier in the week, another march was planned from Uttar Pradesh toward Parliament but was thwarted at the Noida border, causing significant traffic congestion. Police had detained 34 farmers attempting to reach the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal without permission, highlighting the authorities’ firm stance against unauthorized gatherings.
The farmers remain resolute in their efforts to bring attention to their demands, despite the challenges posed by heightened security and legal restrictions. Their determination underscores the pressing need for solutions to the ongoing issues plaguing the agricultural sector. As the protest evolves, all eyes are on how the government will respond to the farmers’ persistent demands for justice and reform.
The farmers’ march is a testament to their unwavering commitment to securing better livelihoods and ensuring their voices are heard at the national level. While the authorities continue to enforce restrictions and monitor the situation closely, the farmers remain undeterred in their pursuit of justice and equity for their community.