Farmers Resume 'Delhi Chalo' March after Center’s 5-year Plan Falls Through, Security Tightened along the border areas

The farmers resumed their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march on Wednesday after talks with the Centre on MSP guarantees fell through. Around 14,000 farmers, accompanied by 1,200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses, have gathered along the Sambhu border. Security along the border areas has been tightened and the Haryana Police has asked their Punjab counterparts to seize any equipment brought in by the protestors for dismantling barricades installed by the forces.

Farmers reject the Center’s 5-year plan guaranteeing MSP

Farmers rejected the government's offer to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years, stating it wasn't in their best interest. They dismissed the proposal, which included buying maize, cotton, and three types of pulses, as it only covered a few crops, ignoring the rest. The farmers emphasized that the offered price, based on the A2+FL+50 percent formula, wouldn't suffice as income, considering it only covered direct costs and not land rent. They were also displeased with the requirement to opt for crop diversification to be eligible for MSP.

Protests resume, novel tactics deployed to break through barricades

Reports suggest that around 14,000 protesters have assembled along the Punjab-Haryana border for the demonstration. They are arriving in 1,200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses. Additionally, permission has been granted for 4,500 individuals with 500 tractors to gather at the Dhabi-Gujran barrier. Farmers aim to enter Delhi via two routes: one through Shambhu, Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat, and the other via Khanouri, Jind, and Rohtak. The protesting farmers have brought heavy machinery like excavators and JCB machines, modified for operator safety.

The protesting farmers were met with massive resistance at the Shambhu border as the Haryana police had obstructed their march using barbed wires, concrete barricades, iron nails, and resorted to using other extreme tactics, such as deploying drones carrying tear gas shells and smoke bombs that were also fired, and rubber bullets were used to disperse the crowds.

Ministry of Home Affairs expressed concern over the law and order situation in Punjab

The Ministry of Home Affairs sent a letter to the Punjab government expressing their concerns over the law and order situation in the state. In the letter, the Central government has said that some people pretending to be farmers have caused trouble by pelting stones and bringing big machines like bulldozers to the Shambhu border with Haryana. The letter also said these machines brought by the farmers have been revamped to make them stronger so that they can breach through the barricades. They're concerned because these machines could hurt the police and soldiers in Haryana and worsen the already deprecating law and order situation along the border area.

Sarwan Singh Pandher seeks PM Modi’s assistance, promises to maintain peace

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to suppress the farmers protesting the government's stance on MSP. "We have told the government that you can kill us but please don't oppress the farmers. We request the Prime Minister to come forward and put an end to this protest by announcing a law on the MSP guarantee for the farmers," said Pander. In addition, the farmer leader promised that the protestors would maintain peace in their march to Delhi. “We tried our best from our side. We attended the meetings, every point was discussed and now the decision has to be taken by the central government. We will remain peaceful…We should be allowed to remove these barriers and march towards Delhi,” he added.

Security measures tightened, Delhi fortified

Security measures around Delhi have been beefed up. The Delhi Police have enforced a one-month prohibition on public gatherings under Section 144. Police and paramilitary forces have fortified the Shambhu border and other checkpoints with concrete barriers, barbed wires, and shipping containers to stop the convoy from reaching the national capital. Cemented nail strips on the highway hinder tractor and vehicle movement. Police plan to use loaded shipping containers to block the farmers' path instead of trucks and buses. At the main entry points, 8,000 security personnel are stationed, with reinforced barriers comprising concrete, barbed wires, and iron nails. Dumpers, cranes, and earthmovers are employed to obstruct tractor entry into Delhi.

Traffic advisory issued for commuters

The Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for commuters. In a tweet, Delhi Traffic Police urged commuters to avoid specific busy areas in central Delhi and opt for alternate routes due to restrictions owing to the farmers' protest.​​