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Farmers Protest Day 2 Highlights Updates: Union ministers to hold discussions with leaders of protesting farmer groups through video conferencing
15 Feb, 2024 | 12:01:52 PM IST
Farmers Protest Day 2 Highlights News Updates: In opposition to actions taken against protesting farmers, farmer organisation BKU Ekta Ugrahan on Wednesday announced that it will stop railway traffic on February 15 for four hours, from 12 to 4 pm, TOI reported.
The Haryana police on Wednesday fired tear gas shells on the protesting farmers as they approached the police barricades near Shambhu border on the second day of their 'Delhi Chalo' march.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had announced that more than 200 farm unions would head to Delhi on February 13 to press the Centre to accept several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Besides a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), the farmers are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
On Tuesday, Haryana police had fired tear gas shells and also used water canons to disperse the agitating farmers, who were a part of the 'Delhi Chalo' march, at the Shambhu border.
The farmers protests, have so far witnessed one farmer who was injured during police action at the Shambhu border near Ambala.
Farmer leaders on Tuesday blamed the Centre for the "attack" on protesters marching towards Delhi and claimed that 60 of them were injured as police used tear gas shells at Punjab-Haryana border points.
Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, PTI reported citing officials.
FAQs
1. Why are the farmers protesting near the Shambhu border in Haryana?
The farmers are protesting to press the Centre to accept several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. They are also seeking pensions for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
2. What are the key demands of the protesting farmers marching towards Delhi?
The protesting farmers are demanding:
3. What incidents have occurred during the 'Delhi Chalo' march, and what are the reported injuries to both farmers and police personnel?
During the 'Delhi Chalo' march, there have been instances of clashes between the protesting farmers and the police. Tear gas shells were fired by the police, and water cannons were used to disperse the agitating farmers. One farmer was reported injured during police action at the Shambhu border near Ambala. Additionally, 60 protesters were claimed to be injured due to tear gas shells fired by the police at Punjab-Haryana border points. Furthermore, twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them.
Show moreThe Haryana police on Wednesday fired tear gas shells on the protesting farmers as they approached the police barricades near Shambhu border on the second day of their 'Delhi Chalo' march.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had announced that more than 200 farm unions would head to Delhi on February 13 to press the Centre to accept several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Besides a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), the farmers are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
On Tuesday, Haryana police had fired tear gas shells and also used water canons to disperse the agitating farmers, who were a part of the 'Delhi Chalo' march, at the Shambhu border.
The farmers protests, have so far witnessed one farmer who was injured during police action at the Shambhu border near Ambala.
Farmer leaders on Tuesday blamed the Centre for the "attack" on protesters marching towards Delhi and claimed that 60 of them were injured as police used tear gas shells at Punjab-Haryana border points.
Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, PTI reported citing officials.
FAQs
1. Why are the farmers protesting near the Shambhu border in Haryana?
The farmers are protesting to press the Centre to accept several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. They are also seeking pensions for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
2. What are the key demands of the protesting farmers marching towards Delhi?
The protesting farmers are demanding:
- A legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
- Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.
- Pensions for farmers and farm laborers.
- Farm debt waiver.
- Withdrawal of police cases.
- Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
3. What incidents have occurred during the 'Delhi Chalo' march, and what are the reported injuries to both farmers and police personnel?
During the 'Delhi Chalo' march, there have been instances of clashes between the protesting farmers and the police. Tear gas shells were fired by the police, and water cannons were used to disperse the agitating farmers. One farmer was reported injured during police action at the Shambhu border near Ambala. Additionally, 60 protesters were claimed to be injured due to tear gas shells fired by the police at Punjab-Haryana border points. Furthermore, twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them.
1 New Update
Farmers' protest: Haryana Police issue advisory for commuters
In view of the 'Chalo Delhi' call given by the protesting farmers' organisations, the Haryana Police on Wednesday advised the commuters to opt for train as a precautionary measure, rather than travelling by road to commute between Chandigarh and Delhi.
Farmers' protest: Here’s what BKU (Kadian) president Harmeet Singh Kadian said after the meeting of SKM Punjab Chapter in Jalandhar
“Today, we (SKM Punjab chapter) held a special meeting (in Jalandhar) regarding the situation in Punjab. Peaceful protest is our right and the government is stopping us from doing so. We condemn the behaviour being meted out towards the farmers of Punjab. We will continue with our call for a nationwide strike on February 16. In addition to that, on February 15, farmers will gather on toll plazas across the state (from 11 AM to 2 PM) and will protest there.”
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Delhi business hit due to farmers' march, buyers' footfall from NCR down by 75%
Delhi's business affected by farmers' movement is witnessing 75 per cent reduction in customers coming from NCR regions, according to a statement by Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI). The CTI said that every day around three lakh people come from NCR for shopping. Due to farmers' movement, less than one lakh people are coming.
Farmers' demand for guaranteed MSP unlikely to have significant impact on tractor industry: M&M
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Delhi Traffic Police says Singhu border on NH-44 is inaccessible for traffic, issues advisory
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Meeting between farmer leaders and Union ministers on Thursday evening in Chandigarh: Farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal
Meeting will be held with Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, Nityanand Rai: Farmer leader.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh after meeting with injured farmers
“What happened with farmers, is very unfortunate. I have visited (hospitals in) three places as of now and have arranged for the treatment of all injured farmers. Our CM Bhagwant Mann facilitated a meeting of farmers and the Union Ministers, we played our part. Unfortunately, Haryana government has blocked National Highway to stop a peaceful protest.”
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Union ministers to hold discussions with leaders of protesting farmer groups through video conferencing, say sources
Farmers Protest Live Updates: We've never heard of drones being used to fire tear gas shells on the farmers and all sorts of barricades that have been erected, says Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury
They are trying to stop the march of the farmers to Delhi...Respecting the farmers and respecting the people who feed all of us, is required of this government. We want an immediate end to this repression and meaningful talks have to be conducted. On 16th Feb, there is going to be a big nationwide action program, including some sectoral industrial strikes along with the trade unions. This is something that the Modi govt cannot ignore. It has to immediately concede.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Due to the prevailing situation in Delhi, it is expected that there will be traffic related problems which may cause delay in reaching the examination centre, says CBSE Board advisory
Therefore, all students are advised to leave their homes early so that they can reach on time as per the instructions issued by CBSE. It is advised to use metro services to reach the examination centres, which are running smoothly.
When this government brought those three black laws for the farmers, questions arose as to what was the need. Those three laws would have privatised our agriculture sector... The Swaminathan Committee report said that the MSP should be 1.5 times the detailed cost of production. He gave the Bharat Ratna to MS Swaminathan and also Chaudhary Charan Singh, all this is a hypocrisy
- On farmers' protest, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Where will the Bharti Kisan Union conduct the rail blockade tomorrow?
Farmers Protest Live Updates: The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) has announced that farmers will squat on rail tracks in seven Punjab locations from 12 pm to 4 pm. The decision to protest against Haryana Police's actions against protesting farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
Police used tear gas shells and water cannons against protesting farmers by the Haryana security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
The agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to pressure the Centre for demands like minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. The BKU is not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' call.
Police used tear gas shells and water cannons against protesting farmers by the Haryana security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
The agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to pressure the Centre for demands like minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. The BKU is not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' call.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmers are again protesting due to stubbornness of central govt, says Sachin Pilot
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Sachin Pilot, national general secretary of the Congress, stated that farmers have resumed protesting because the Central government is unyielding and incapable of resolving their problems. He said that the Congress party would offer a legal guarantee for the minimum support price if its INDIA bloc came to power following the Lok Sabha elections because farmers are not receiving fair prices for their crops.
"Farmers are protesting due to the stubbornness of the central government, which has not been able to solve their issues," Pilot told reporters here.
"The Centre had promised to implement MSP. Now that the tenure of the central government is about to end, it should fulfil its promises," the Congress leader said.
"Farmers are protesting due to the stubbornness of the central government, which has not been able to solve their issues," Pilot told reporters here.
"The Centre had promised to implement MSP. Now that the tenure of the central government is about to end, it should fulfil its promises," the Congress leader said.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: "It's a democratic right of the farmers to protest"
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It's a democratic right of the farmers to protest and come and be heard in the National capital. I don't think the border with China is fortified the way this city is fortified. The government should have learnt a lesson from the previous farmers' agitation- consult the stakeholders. Last time it took a year-long agitation before the government surrendered and withdrew..."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur gives an update on number of police personnel injured
On the impact of farmers' protest, Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur says, "...Two DSPs, around 24 police personnel were injured in stone-pelting yesterday. Some farmers were also injured. I appeal to all to follow the law & order...Mainly Ambala-Chandigarh route is affected."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Congress condemns govt action to stop farmers from entering Delhi
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Digvijaya Singh, the former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, has taken a jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, stating that he disapproves of the measures taken by the government to prevent farmers from travelling to Delhi for a protest.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Bhopal, the state capital, Singh made the statement.
"We condemn government action to stop farmers from entering Delhi to have a peaceful protest... Every day in the advertisements of BJP, the central government and the Madhya Pradesh government, we see the 'Modi Ki Guarantee'... Yes, Modi's guarantee was there, they (the central govt) held meetings with farmers in which it was decided that a law over MSP would be made, the cases over farmers would be withdrawn, and action would be taken against the minister in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident but nothing happened," the Congress leader said.
"Such demands should have been fulfilled but the irony is that PM Modi has chosen the Corporate Minister (Piyush Goyal) to communicate with the farmers, he represents the corporate world and the corporate's interest lies in the exploitation of the farmers," he added.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Bhopal, the state capital, Singh made the statement.
"We condemn government action to stop farmers from entering Delhi to have a peaceful protest... Every day in the advertisements of BJP, the central government and the Madhya Pradesh government, we see the 'Modi Ki Guarantee'... Yes, Modi's guarantee was there, they (the central govt) held meetings with farmers in which it was decided that a law over MSP would be made, the cases over farmers would be withdrawn, and action would be taken against the minister in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident but nothing happened," the Congress leader said.
"Such demands should have been fulfilled but the irony is that PM Modi has chosen the Corporate Minister (Piyush Goyal) to communicate with the farmers, he represents the corporate world and the corporate's interest lies in the exploitation of the farmers," he added.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmer leaders seek permission from protestors. Know why
Farmers Protest Live Updates: According to TOI, farmer leaders have asked demonstrators for permission to speak with union ministers should they receive the invitation for a meeting, as is expected.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farm leaders agree for talks with government
"It has come to us through media that Anurag Thakur has said that they are ready for talks and finding resolution to our issues. We do not want to leave any room for them to say that we did not accept their offer. We took permission from our friends, and now we will hold talks (with the government). Our priority is that talks are held in Chandigarh or anywhere near the protest site," says SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Congress continues attacking the BJP
Centre's arrogant attitude is leading farmers on protest path, senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot said
Farmers Protest Live Updates: What Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij has to say on the on-going Farmers Protest
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij says "The report on MSP came in 2004 when Congress was in power. Why didn't they do anything in 10 years? The farmers want to go to Delhi and have a conversation with representatives of the Govt but when they came to Chandigarh, the farmer leaders refused to talk to them. I am surprised that the Punjab Govt has released a notice asking us not to send drones to our border. When farmers started moving from Amritsar, they did not even try to stop them. This clearly means that they want the farmers to create terror in Delhi. Stone pelting is going on and one of our DSP & 25 other police officers are injured in this."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Union Minister Arjun Munda urges farmers for having a dialogue
"I request all the farmer unions that solution to any issue can be found through dialogue and mutual understanding. We would request that such situation, where normal life is disrupted, should not arise," says Union Minister Arjun Munda on the demands of protesting farmer unions.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmers' Union calls for rail blockade
In opposition to actions taken against protesting farmers, farmer organisation BKU Ekta Ugrahan will stop railway traffic on February 15 for four hours, from 12 pm to 4 pm, TOI reported.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi speaks on the farmers 'Delhi Chalo' march
On the farmers' march, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "The govt is working on the farmers' issues with sensitivity...Most of their demands have been accepted...Technically, since the Lok Sabha session has ended, the demand for a law is strange...The govt cannot form laws now..."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: CP (Sonipat), Haryana Police briefs on security arrangements at Singhu border.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: "Majority of the arrangements have been made by the Delhi Police. (Meanwhile), we would try to stop them (farmers) at the Panipat-Sonipat border. We have put up our barricades there. Here we will play the complementary role to the Delhi Police," says Satish Baliyan, CP (Sonipat), Haryana Police on security arrangements at Singhu border.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Mayawati asks government to address farmers' demands
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has urged the government to take the demands of farmers seriously and consider them with empathy. She also called for a timely and appropriate solution to prevent farmers from having to repeatedly protest in support of their demands. Mayawati advised the central government to engage in proper dialogue with the protesting farmers and attempt to end their protests rather than using force against them. "The government should seriously consider the demands of the hardworking farmers who have made our India self-sufficient in terms of food, and should resolve them appropriately and timely with empathy so that the food-providing farmers do not have to be forced to protest again and again in support of their demands," the BSP supremo said in a post on 'X'."In this regard, instead of being harsh on the protesting farmers under the current 'Delhi Chalo' campaign, it would be better if the central government tries to end their protest by having a proper dialogue with them, and it is also not right to exploit them," she added.Mobile internet services, bulk SMS, and all dongle services will remain suspended in seven districts of Haryana for another 48 hours until February 15 midnight.Long traffic jams were seen at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border on Wednesday due to the farmers' protest and security checks put in place by the authorities. The Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said they want the Prime Minister to step forward and speak with the farmers. The farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government for which they are marching to Delhi.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: RaGa speaks with injured farmer
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday had a phone call with the farmer, who was hurt by police action at the Shambhu border near Ambala. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the chief of the Punjab Congress, set up a phone conversation between Gandhi and the farmer while he was visiting a hospital in Rajpura. The farmer was brought into the medical facility.The farmer said that he had wounds on his hands and near his eye when Gandhi questioned him about the location of his injuries.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: This was the UPA Government’s response to a question in 2010 by Prakash Javedkar whether the govt at the time had accepted recommendations of Swaminathan Commission regarding MSP
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, K V Thomas had said, "The National Commission on Farmers under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan has recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production. This recommendation, however, has not been accepted by the Government because MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) based on objective criteria and considering variety of relevant factors. Hence, prescribing an increase of a at least 50% on cost may distort the market. A mechanical linkage between MSP and cost of production may be counter-productive in some cases."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Union Minister Arjun Munda reiterates holding constructive talks with farmers
"I have said this before that we (government) are ready to hold constructive talks with the farmers. We should consider all points and then hold a discussion. Secondly, the farmers should understand that the protest should not create problems for anyone and does not affect the normal life," Munda said.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher addresses the media at Shambhu border
"There is an attempt to make a perception about us by giving us tags like Khalistani, pro-left, I want to say we are nothing like that. We have not come here for confrontation with the government," he said.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: What happens if MSP is guaranteed?
According to a TOI report, providing a legal guarantee for the purchase of all crops at minimum support prices would leave very little money in the government coffers for other social and development objectives. The government officials, as cited, predicted that the nation's finances would collapse.
The officials emphasised how unrealistic it would be to put such legislation into effect, noting that, in FY20, the value of all agricultural produce produced in the nation was Rs 40 lakh crore, while the market value of the 24 crops that were subject to the MSP regime was estimated to be Rs 10 lakh crore.
They claimed that purchasing this amount of produce with the government's allotted spending of Rs 45 lakh crore for 2023–2024 would severely restrict the resources available for other important social and development goals that are vital to India’s economic advancement.
The officials emphasised how unrealistic it would be to put such legislation into effect, noting that, in FY20, the value of all agricultural produce produced in the nation was Rs 40 lakh crore, while the market value of the 24 crops that were subject to the MSP regime was estimated to be Rs 10 lakh crore.
They claimed that purchasing this amount of produce with the government's allotted spending of Rs 45 lakh crore for 2023–2024 would severely restrict the resources available for other important social and development goals that are vital to India’s economic advancement.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: "We are ready to continue the discussions," says Union Minister Anurag Thakur
On farmers' protest, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "I would like to say that the Modi Government has taken several steps in the last 10 years to encourage the agriculture sector and for the welfare of farmers. When they posed their demands, the government sent its senior leaders and continued the dialogue. What is the reason that new demands are being added to the demands? If new demands are being added, more time is also required. States need time to hold discussions. We are ready to continue the discussions. Most of their demands have been accepted but the new demands require more time. I urge the agitators to not indulge in vandalism, arson or violence. I request farmer leaders to come and have discussions."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Internet ban in Haryana extended till Feb 15
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Mobile internet services, bulk SMS and all dongle services etc provided on mobile networks, except the voice calls in the jurisdiction of districts Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa of Haryana State to remain suspended till 15th February.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Heavy traffic as security ramped up at borders
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Long traffic jams hit the Delhi-Ghaziabad border due to farmers' protests and security checks. Rapid Action Force, police, and Riot Control Vehicles were deployed at the Singhu Border in Delhi, while security arrangements were intensified at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana. More concrete is being poured between concrete slabs at the Tikri Border to strengthen the border.
The Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher called for the Prime Minister to step forward and speak with the farmers. The protesting farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government, including better crop prices, enacting a minimum support price (MSP) law, complete debt waiver, pension schemes, scrapping the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.
The Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher called for the Prime Minister to step forward and speak with the farmers. The protesting farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government, including better crop prices, enacting a minimum support price (MSP) law, complete debt waiver, pension schemes, scrapping the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Punjab government sounds alert in hospitals near Haryana border
Farmers Protest Live Updates: The Punjab government has sounded an alert in hospitals located near the Haryana border in the wake of many farmers getting injured following clashes with police at Shambhu and Khanauri borders. According to official sources, the state government has also sought from the Haryana government not to use lathi-charge and hurl tear gas shells at farmers. The state government has stepped up the number of ambulances along the Haryana border, besides asking doctors and other staff to remain on duty.
Currently, the atmosphere is peaceful. Traffic has been diverted. The movement of the pedestrians is normal
- DSP Anil Kumar, Jhajjar, Haryana
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait speaks
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Tuesday said that demands for law on MSP, implementation of Swaminathan Committee report and debt waiver concern all farmers and they support farmers who have embarked on 'Delhi Chalo' protest over these issues. "MSP guarantee law and Swaminathan Committee report, Electricity amendment bill and debt waiver are the issues of the farmers across the country. There are several farmer unions and they have different issues. If the government creates a problem for these farmers who are marching towards Delhi, we are not far from them. We are in support of them," Tikait told ANI.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi's MSP promise
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, reacted to the protest, asserting that the party, if voted to power, will give a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) to every farmer as per the Swaminathan Commission. In a post on X, Rahul said "Farmer brothers, today is a historic day! Congress has decided to give a legal guarantee of MSP to every farmer on crops as per the Swaminathan Commission. This step will change the lives of 15 crore farmer families by ensuring their prosperity. This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice."
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Opposition tears into Centre, BJP appeals for peace
Farmers Protest Live Updates: The Congress slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Centre stating that the "dictatorial Modi government" is hell-bent on curbing the voice of farmers! "Barbed wire, tear gas from drones, nails and guns... everything is arranged. The dictatorial Modi government is trying to curb the voice of farmers! Do you remember that farmers were called "agitators" and "parasites"? In 10 years, the Modi government has broken three promises made to the food providers of the country -Farmers' income to double by 2022, according to Swaminathan report, implementation of Input Cost + 50 per cent MSP and legal status to MSP," he said. "Now the time has come to raise the voice of 62 crore farmers. Today Congress party will raise the voice of "Kisan Nyay" in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. We provide full support to the farmers' movement. Will not be afraid, will not bow down!" he added.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: SKM warns the Centre
Farmers Protest Live Updates: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) warned the central government not to treat the people who are forced to come to the street on their genuine demands as enemies of the government or the country. "The main demand of the farmers, MSP@C2+50 percent had been the promise of BJP and the present Prime Minister in the election manifesto of 2014 and even after 10 years the promise was not implemented," the press release said. SKM has written a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to immediately withdraw the forces and protect the rights of farmers, to organise Delhi Chalo protest, and resolve the farmers and workers struggle through discussions. SKM has issued an appeal to all like-minded organisations to come forward to build a united issue-based struggle on common demands.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: SKM condemns repression of farmers at Shambhu border
Farmers Protest Live Updates: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) strongly condemned the central government for employing excessive state power, including lathi charges, rubber bullets, tear gas shelling, and mass arrests, to thwart the Delhi Chalo March organized by farmer organizations on Tuesday. Expressing surprise, the SKM highlighted the use of drones by the administration to drop tear gas shells on the farmers. In a press release, the SKM urged all its member organizations and units across India to vehemently protest the attack on farmers in Punjab on February 16 by organizing widespread Grameen Bandh (rural shutdown) and Industrial/Sectoral Strikes across the country,Samyukta Kisan Morcha said in a press release.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Mamata Banerjee supports farmers
Farmers Protest Live Updates: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned how the country could progress if farmers fighting for their basic rights were being attacked. "How can our country progress when the farmers are attacked with tear gas shells for fighting for their basic rights? I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our farmers by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)," Banerjee said in a post on 'X'. Meanwhile, the farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said that demands for law on MSP, implementation of Swaminathan Committee report and debt waiver concern all farmers.
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Centre must fulfill promises made to farmers, says Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema
Farmers Protest Live Updates: Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former education minister of Punjab, Daljit Singh Cheema, on Tuesday rendered support to farmers who have embarked on the 'Delhi Chalo' protest. "Central government should fulfill the promises made to farmers," he added. Expressing deep concern over the situation created after the farmers marching towards Delhi for their various demands were stopped on the way, he said, "It is everybody's constitutional right to hold peaceful protest and raise their legitimate demands."
