BYGONE AGITATION

100 days it is

• Farmers have assembled at Shambhu and other border points to mark the completion of 100 days of the ongoing protest to press the Centre to accept their demands, which includes a legal guarantee of MSP for crops.
• Punjab-Haryana border is packed with temporary settlements and parked tractor-trollers of the farmers on dharna who have camping here under Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political).
• Shambhu border was dug up at few places to built a permanent stage to conduct protest meetings only to signal the government the agitation will continue.
• The unseen heatwave sweeping North India did not dampen the indomitable spirit. Workers from Mohali came down to construct temporary shed to brave the heat wave. Few farmers could manage to install ACs while others use fans and coolers.
• Temporary toilets have also been constructed to ensure smoot daily life.
• The farmers have denied to participate in the polls this year. However, the situation is calmer currently with deployment of major security personnel.

Upheaval so far

• Farmers have been seeking legal guarantees of increased state support or a minimum purchase price for crops.
• Following a similar year-long protest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had repealed certain farm reform laws in 2021 and committed to setting up a panel to ensure uniform prices for all produce.
• Farmer groups called off their strike after the government scrapped the proposed farm laws in 2021 and agreed to discuss their other demands, including guaranteed prices for produce and a withdrawal of criminal cases against the protesters.
• One of the historic protests in the country witnessed the inate sensitivity. From Republic Day clash to Bharatiya Kisan Union Spokesperson, Rakesh Tikait in tears to social media war, the agitation traversed through enormous tension.
• February 13 saw countless farmers from the northern state of Punjab launching ‘Delhi Chalo’ setting out for the capital in trucks and tractors loaded with bedding and food.
• Security forces in riot gear, however, used teargas and water cannons to force them to halt about 200 km short of their destination.

And what lies ahead

• The sealing of Delhi’s borders with neighbouring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in view of farmers’ march failed to affect the supply of fresh vegetables, milk, and poultry produce in the city for now but this might lead to increase in the prices in future.
• Truckers are having to take longer routes due to the heavy security at the three border points — Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur leading to delay in supplies reaching the city, as well as exports to other cities.

Editor’s Note

Following roadblocks, strikes, demonstrations, tractor rallies and tear gas shelling, the grain bowl of the country is yet to find common ground with the ruling government. One of the most extraordinary agitations in the country braved unforeseen instances but the era is far from being over. Morcha lamba chalega!

#farmerprotest #MSP #shambhuborder