Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march enters day 5; BKU (Ugrahan) organises protests out BJP leaders' homes

Protesting farmers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, have resumed their agitation on the fifth day of the 'Delhi Chalo' march. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced plans to escalate their protest.

Apart from holding dharnas outside the homes of former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, the BJP's Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar and senior leader Kewal Singh Dhillon, the union will also hold protests at toll plazas in the state, extending support to the farmers' "Delhi Chalo" call.

On the fifth day of their "Delhi Chalo" march -- called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha -- the farmers stayed put at the two border points of Punjab and Haryana as they press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.


Resumption of Protest

The SKM's Punjab unit will convene a meeting in Jalandhar on Sunday, followed by gatherings of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) and general body in Delhi. These meetings aim to assess developments and determine the future course of action.

'Bharat Bandh' and Confrontation

On Friday, Haryana Police used tear gas to disperse farmers approaching barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala during the 'Bharat Bandh.' This incident followed inconclusive talks between farmer leaders and the government on February 8, 12, and 15, where farmers reiterated their demand for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee.

On Friday, the Haryana Police released a series of video clips that purported to show several farmers pelting them with stones and attempting to provoke security personnel at the Shambhu border.

In a post on X, the police asserted that "ruckus" cannot be allowed under the guise of the farmers' movement. They claimed 25 security personnel -- 18 from the Haryana Police and seven paramilitary force jawans -- were injured in clashes with the farmers.

Farmer leaders spearheading the "Delhi Chalo" call claimed that the Haryana security personnel used "force" against the protesters by hurling tear gas shells and firing rubber bullets at them, leaving many injured.

Casualties and Impact

During the protests, a Haryana Police sub-inspector, Hira Lal, stationed at the Shambhu border, died due to health complications. The 'Bharat Bandh' affected public transport and commercial activities across several states, with farmers blocking highways and toll plazas. However, some regions like Kurukshetra remained unaffected.

Ongoing Demands

Protesters are demanding a legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers, and various other measures. The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) plans to hold dharnas outside the residences of senior BJP leaders in Punjab, supporting the demands.

Continuing Agitation

Farmers continue their 'Delhi Chalo' march, staying put at border points between Punjab and Haryana. The Gurnam Singh Charuni-led Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) will also hold a tractor rally in solidarity with the protesters. Union ministers and farmer leaders are set to meet for further talks.

Allegations and Responses

The SKM has accused the government of "vitiating the atmosphere" by not fulfilling promises made during previous agitations. They also criticized the government's handling of the security situation around the protests, alleging secrecy in negotiations and attempts to mislead farmers.