New Delhi: Farmers engaged in the 'Delhi Chalo' movement have affirmed their commitment to continue their agitation until their demands are met, said farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday, indicating that the protest may continue even after the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls is enforced. Thousands of farmers have stationed themselves at Khanauri and Shambhu points along Punjab's border with Haryana, accompanied by their tractor-trolleys and trucks, following the halt of their march to the national capital by security forces to press the Centre for various demands.
Last Wednesday, the 'Delhi Chalo' march, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), came to a temporary halt as farmer leaders decided to suspend the protest for two days. This decision followed a tragic incident at Khanauri where a protester lost their life and approximately 12 police personnel sustained injuries during clashes. The incident took place when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards barricades, reported PTI.
While speaking to reporters at the Shambhu border point, KMM leader Pandher mentioned that they will announce their next course of action on February 29. "It is certain that this agitation will continue as long as (our) demands are not met. If they (Centre) accept our demands tomorrow, we will take a decision on the agitation", PTI quoted Pandher as saying.
Regarding the imposition of the model code of conduct once the Election Commission announces the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls, Pandher stated, "We do not have to distribute tickets for MPs, so we do not need to worry about the model code of conduct. We are not going to campaign at polling booths."
"We are not worried about the code of conduct. We are thinking that the agitation may continue even when the model code of conduct is in force," the KMM leader added, as per PTI.
According to farmer leaders, the ongoing protests will continue at the two designated sites until February 29, at which point the next course of action will be determined. Despite four rounds of talks between farmer representatives and Union ministers aimed at resolving the stalemate, no significant progress has been made, reported PTI.
Farmers' Protest: Delhi's Singhu, Tikri Borders To Be Partially Reopened
Jhajjar Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpit Jain talked about the Haryana Police's decision regarding the opening of the Delhi-Rohtak National Highway. He stated, "We are preparing to open one lane; I have discussed this with the concerned DSP and SHO. Our aim is to not let the traffic congestion hamper the general public. First, we will open one lane, then further steps will be informed to the public." Jain emphasized that their primary objective is to prevent traffic congestion from disrupting the general public.
Besides a legal guarantee for MSP for crops and farm debt waiver, farmers from Punjab are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension provisions for farmers and agricultural laborers, prevention of electricity tariff hikes, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, restoration of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during previous agitations in 2020-21.