Farmers Protest- farmers march to Delhi today by train, bus, and plane, Decided to join at Jantar Mantar.

Posted on : March 6, 2024 By Santo

Once again, farmer organizations are gearing up for a monumental march to Delhi as part of the ongoing farmers protest. Today, farmers from various regions will embark on their journey to the capital, utilizing every mode of transportation available, including trains, buses, and planes. Their destination: Jantar Mantar, where they plan to establish a camp in the heart of Delhi.

Notably, leaders like Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal have rallied farmers nationwide, urging them to join the protest in Delhi. They emphasized that those unable to travel by tractor-trolley should make their way to Delhi via train. Additionally, beyond the farmers of Punjab and Haryana, they called upon farmers across the country to unite in demanding fair Minimum Support Price (MSP) from the government.

“Amidst the sight of farmers Protest towards Delhi today, the police are on high alert mode. Tight security arrangements have been made in the New Delhi district and Central Delhi. However, traffic jams are also likely to occur during this period. No permission has been granted for any form of demonstration in the New Delhi area. If anyone is found protesting in Delhi, they will be detained. The Railway Police are also on alert. According to confidential sources, farmers may arrive in Delhi by train or bus in small groups.

Announcement before farmers protest March

On March 3, farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjeet Singh Dallewal appealed to farmers in Punjab during a press conference to march towards Delhi. They urged farmers to participate in the ‘Rail Roko’ agitation on March 10. They stated that the number of farmers at the ongoing protest sites would also be increased.

Farmers have announced the organization of a massive farmers’ congregation in Delhi on March 14. This time, instead of using tractors, farmers have expressed their intention to travel to Delhi by trains and buses. Consequently, the police and administration are now on high alert. Initially, the police had intensified road closures, but with farmers considering travel by trains and buses, the police will devise new strategies accordingly.

Farmers Protest Demands

Here are the main demands of the farmers protest,

MSP Guarantee: Farmers are demanding the enactment of a law that ensures a guaranteed minimum price for all crops. This legal assurance would protect their income and provide stability in agricultural markets.

Debt Waiver: The implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations is sought to provide debt waivers to farmers. All debts of the farmers above Rs.10,000 to be waived, worth ₹18.4 lakh crore.

Land Acquisition Compensation: Farmers demand more compensation for land acquired by various authorities for developmental projects. Also, they seek the reservation of 10% of residential plots on developed lands for the families affected by land acquisition.

Withdrawal from World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreements: Some farmers express concerns about the impact of international trade agreements on their livelihoods. They call for India’s withdrawal from the WTO and the imposition of a ban on all Free Trade Agreements (FTA).

Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence: The farmers demand punishment for the perpetrators of the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre, where several farmers lost their lives. Ensuring justice for the victims and their families is a critical aspect of their protest.

Pension for Farmers and Farm Laborers: Allocation of pension to farmers and farm labourers.

Scrapping the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020: Farmers fear the growing privatization of electricity and lack trust in state governments to pay subsidies on time. They call for the removal of the bill to safeguard their interests.

Compensation for Lives Lost During the 2020-2021 Agitation: Families of farmers who died during the 2020-2021 agitation seek monetary compensation. The demand also includes providing employment opportunities for one family member.

MGNREGA Employment: The farmers advocate for 200 days of employment per year under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for farming. They emphasize a daily wage of Rs 700 to support rural workers.

Posted on : March 6, 2024 By Santo