Farmers demanding higher prices for their crops have decided to prolong their agitation at two interstate border points until February 29. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent leader among the protestors, declared that their next course of action will be determined by then. The decision to persist at the protest sites, namely Shambhu and Khanauri, was collectively made by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), the two leading organizations spearheading the ongoing agitation. Last week, thousands of farmers initiated a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, but were halted by security forces approximately 200 kilometers north of the capital. The recent death of a farmer during clashes with security forces has further fueled the protest, prompting the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) to join the agitation.
Scheduled Events and Protest Actions
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Pandher outlined a series of upcoming events and protest actions. These include a candle march slated for February 24, seminars to discuss farmer-related issues on February 25, burning effigies of the World Trade Organization and the Centre on February 26, and numerous meetings of the SKM (Non-Political) and KMM over the next two days. Additionally, farmers have expanded their protest by burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government ministers. Black flags were hoisted on tractors, and many protestors, predominantly Sikhs from Punjab, adorned black cloth over their turbans in a show of solidarity.
Government Responses and Compensation
In response to the escalating situation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore and a government job for the sister of deceased farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who lost his life at the Khanauri border during clashes with police. However, the cremation of Shubhkaran Singh remains pending until the Punjab government takes legal action against those deemed responsible for his death, as insisted by farmer leaders. Despite demands for financial assistance and “martyr” status for Singh, farmer leaders are resolute in their call for justice before proceeding with cremation.
Legal Plea and Police Actions
A plea has been submitted to the Supreme Court urging the Indian government to address the reasonable demands of protesting farmers and to halt violence against them. The plea, filed by Agnostos Theos, Managing Director of the Sikh Chamber of Commerce, calls for the implementation of the Swaminathan committee’s recommendations and preservation of free speech, among other demands. Meanwhile, the Haryana Police has retracted its decision to invoke provisions of the National Security Act against certain farmer leaders engaged in the agitation.
Condolences and Budget Announcement
Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary has expressed his condolences for the deceased farmers and appealed for patience from both protestors and authorities. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced a waiver of interest and penalty on certain crop loans in the state’s budget for 2024-25, emphasizing the government’s commitment to farmer welfare. Nevertheless, protestors persist with their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, and justice for victims of past violence.
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