Farmers’ Protest Day 3: Tensions Continue to Escalate Amidst Talks with the Central Government

Amidst the ongoing standoff between farmers and the Union government over MSP and other demands, hundreds of farmers in Punjab occupied train tracks as a part of their “rail roko” protest demonstration on Thursday. Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai are scheduled to meet with farmer union representatives via video conferencing for their third round of talks later in the day. The previous round of talks had failed to reach a resolution, leading to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march starting on Tuesday.

Harmeet Singh Kadian of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab Chapter called for a nationwide strike on February 16, along with protests planned at toll plazas across Punjab on February 15 from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Security forces at the Shambhu border used tear gas to disperse farmers trying to breach barricades on Wednesday, leading to clashes where some protesters threw stones and flew kites to disrupt police drones. Haryana Police reinforced the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border with barricades to prevent farmers from advancing to Delhi on tractor-trolleys.

Reacting to the ongoing farmers protest, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that while the farmers have the right to raise demands and travel to Delhi, however, their methods of protest should be examined. He criticized the use of tractors for transportation and suggested using buses or trains instead. Khattar also pointed out Punjab's role in allowing the farmers to proceed, implying support from the government for the agitation. As a precautionary measure, the Haryana government has suspended internet services along the border with Punjab until February 16.

Despite clashes and injuries reported on the first day of the 'Delhi Chalo' march, demonstrations continued. The Delhi Police warned of heavy traffic on the DND Flyway due to security checks and advised commuters to take alternate routes. Barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls have been set up at key points around Delhi to halt the farmers' progress.

The protesting farmers have hit the streets demanding legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on their produce, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and farm debt relief amongst others.