Thousands of protesters from across Bharat gathered in New Delhi on Thursday to demand new laws ensuring minimum profitable prices for their crops. They traveled by buses and trains to avoid using their tractors, as highways were barricaded by authorities. The rally, organized by the United Farmers Front, took place at Ramlila Ground, where protesters carried placards advocating for free electricity for farming.
The protesters, who own small plots of land, fear being left vulnerable to market fluctuations without guaranteed crop prices. They argue that this uncertainty could spell disaster for their livelihoods. Despite facing restrictions on the use of their farm vehicles and carrying weapons, the protesters remained determined to voice their demands.
The timing of the protests is crucial, as Bharat gears up for national elections in April-May. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party expected to seek a third term, farmers represent a significant voting bloc. Over 60% of India’s population depends on farming for their livelihoods.
Aside from guaranteed crop prices, farmers are also calling on the government to fulfill promises made during their protests in 2021, including loan waivers and withdrawal of legal cases against them. Despite several rounds of talks, no breakthrough has been achieved.
The standoff escalated on Feb 21 when clashes between farmers and police resulted in one protester’s death. The farmers had attempted to resume their march to New Delhi after talks with the government failed. Authorities have since fortified highways leading to the capital, while protesters have used bulldozers in attempts to breach the barricades.
Rejecting the government’s proposal of five-year contracts for guaranteed prices on select crops, farmers remain steadfast in their demand for legislation covering 23 crops. They believe this would provide stability to their incomes, akin to the government’s existing system of minimum purchase prices for essential crops like rice and wheat.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, emphasized the peaceful nature of their protest but criticized the government’s heavy-handed security measures. As negotiations continue, farmers remain resolute in their quest for legislative assurances of fair crop prices.
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