'Delhi Chalo' Protest: Farmers To Keep Haryana Toll Free For 3 Hours From Tomorrow, Hold Joint Meet On Feb 18

This announcement follows the call for a nationwide strike on February 16 by Harmeet Singh Kadian of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab Chapter.

Members of various organisations block railway tracks at Rajpura as they stage 'rail roko' protest in support of farmers agitating at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border. ( Image Source :PTI Images )

Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni spoke to reporters on Thursday about the ongoing farmers' protest and shared three key decisions they had made. Firstly, a toll-free period in Haryana is planned for three hours, from 12 pm to 3 pm, tomorrow. Secondly, a tractor parade in every Tehsil is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, starting from 12 pm. Lastly, on February 18, a joint meeting of all farmers' and labour organisations is set to take place, where further decisions will be made.

"Three decisions were taken today, first one is, we will keep Haryana toll free for 3 hours tomorrow, from 12pm-3pm. Day after tomorrow, there will be a tractor parade in every Tehsil, from 12 pm. On 18th February, there will be a joint meeting of all farmers' and labour organisations. Further decisions will be taken in that meeting," Charuni told reporters. 

#WATCH | On farmers' protest, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni says, " Three decisions were taken today, first one is, we will keep Haryana toll free for 3 hours tomorrow, from 12pm-3pm...day after tomorrow, there will be a tractor parade in every Tehsil, from 12 pm...on 18th… pic.twitter.com/2Ye0NzMguE

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2024

This announcement follows the call for a nationwide strike on February 16 by Harmeet Singh Kadian of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab Chapter. Additional protests are slated at toll plazas across Punjab on February 15, from 11 am to 2 pm.

VIDEO | Farmers' protest: Here’s what BKU (Kadian) president Harmeet Singh Kadian said after the meeting of SKM Punjab Chapter in Jalandhar.

“Today, we (SKM Punjab chapter) held a special meeting (in Jalandhar) regarding the situation in Punjab. Peaceful protest is our right and… pic.twitter.com/pjOWlMiz8C

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2024

Media reports indicate that approximately 200 farmers occupied railway stations in Punjab, disrupting train tracks amid the continued standoff with the Union government over MSP and other demands. In response, the Haryana government suspended internet services along the border with Punjab until the night of February 16, where farmers are attempting to breach barricades en route to Delhi.

VIDEO | Farmers Protest: Agitating farmers block railway track at Rajpura in Patiala district of #Punjab.#FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/sZVKymYXpE

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2024

As the 'Delhi Chalo' march progresses, the Centre and farmer leaders prepare for a third round of discussions. Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai are scheduled to engage with representatives of protesting farmer unions via video conferencing this evening.

Previous talks failed to yield results, leading to the launch of the protest march on Tuesday, February 13. Senior Union Ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Arjun Munda, discussed ongoing farmers' protests and related issues on Wednesday. The details of the meeting, which involved Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, are yet to be disclosed, according to a report by PTI. 

READ | Farmers To Hold Talks With Govt On Day 3, Block Railway Tracks In Punjab: Top Points

At the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, security forces used tear gas to disperse farmers attempting to breach barricades, prompting some protesters to throw stones.

Haryana Police fortified the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border with barricades, hindering farmers' progress to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys. Demonstrations continued despite clashes and reported injuries during the initial day of the 'Delhi Chalo' march.

Delhi Police cautioned of heavy traffic on the DND Flyway due to security checks and advised commuters to explore alternative routes. Key points around Delhi, including Ghazipur, Singhu, and Tikri, witnessed the erection of barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls to impede the farmers' advance.

Protesting farmers persist in demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.