Farmer protests showdown: Agitators get ready to enter Delhi on tractors, cranes and JCBs, Haryana issues arrest and seizure warning

Thousands of farmers in Punjab geared up on Wednesday for a protest march towards Delhi, equipped with cranes and excavators, as discussions with the government regarding guaranteed support prices for their crops remained deadlocked. This move came in response to the farmers' rejection of a government proposal for five-year contracts and assured support prices for various crops such as corn, cotton, and pulses earlier this week. The farmers, primarily from Punjab, have been advocating for higher prices supported by legislation for their produce. Authorities have erected barricades at Punjab-Haryana border to deter protesters from advancing towards New Delhi. However, police indicated that the heavy machinery assembled on Wednesday was intended to dismantle these barriers.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, one of the farmer leaders, said: "It is not acceptable to have such extensive barricades hindering our movement. We seek to march peacefully to Delhi. If not, our demands should be met."

Late on Tuesday, the Haryana police chief issued an immediate directive to seize the heavy equipment to prevent its potential use by protesters to destroy barricades.


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According to centre's assessment, approximately 14,000 individuals have congregated along the Punjab-Haryana border, accompanied by 1,200 tractor-trolleys and other vehicles, Press Trust of India reported, citing sources.

Haryana police warning to JCB owners

In a message on X, Haryana police cautioned the protestors, stating, "Owners and operators of Poclains, JCBs: Please refrain from providing your equipment's services to the protestors. Withdraw these machines from the protest site. They may be used to cause harm to security forces. It's a non-bailable offense, and you may be held criminally liable."

The government's proposal on Sunday, offering minimum support prices to farmers diversifying their crops to include cotton, pigeon peas, black matpe, red lentils, and corn, was rejected by the protestors, who sought additional coverage for food grains.

Recalling similar protests two years ago, during which farmers camped at the New Delhi border for two months, prompting Modi's government to repeal a set of farm laws, tensions have escalated.

The Director General of Police (DGP) in Haryana made a written plea to his Punjab counterpart, urging the halt of earth-moving machinery movement towards the Shambhu border and Khanauri border.

Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, addressing a press conference on Wednesday morning ahead of the 'Delhi Chalo' march scheduled for February 21, emphasized, "Our objective is not to instigate chaos... We have planned to march to Delhi since November 7. "

"It is inappropriate to encounter such extensive barricades. We seek to proceed to Delhi peacefully. The government should remove the barriers and allow us entry... Alternatively, they should address our demands... We are peaceful... If they extend an olive branch, we will reciprocate."

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda expressed optimism for a resolution, stating, "We aim for the greater good and welcome diverse opinions... However, the only path to a fruitful outcome is through dialogue. Conversation will undoubtedly lead to a solution."