Section 144 Imposed at Haryana-Delhi Border Amid Farmers Protest

Farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab march to Delhi demanding MSP. Haryana seals borders, Delhi imposes restrictions. Political support and ongoing tensions highlighted.

Police set up barricades at Shambhu border ahead of 'Delhi Chalo March' by protesting farmers in Patiala district.

Several farmer associations, predominantly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, have announced plans to march to New Delhi on February 13 to push for their demands, including a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:

1. Core Demands: The protesting farmers are pressing the government to enact a law ensuring MSP for crops, a key condition set during the resolution of their previous agitation in 2021. Additionally, they seek implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and labourers, farm debt waivers, withdrawal of police cases against protesters, and justice for victims of Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
2. Government Response: In anticipation of the planned 'Dilli Chalo' march, the Haryana government has taken preemptive measures by sealing its border with Punjab using barbed wires and concrete blocks. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in 15 districts of Haryana, prohibiting assemblies of five or more people and banning protests or marches.
3. Communication Restrictions: Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven districts of Haryana from February 11 to 13 to prevent the spread of unrest. Similarly, the Chandigarh administration has enforced Section 144 for 60 days in light of the upcoming protest.
4. Delhi's Security Measures: Delhi Police have also tightened security measures by imposing Section 144 at all borders between the national capital and Uttar Pradesh, prohibiting gatherings of more than two people. They have also banned the entry of vehicles carrying protesters from Uttar Pradesh into the city.
5. Government's Invitation: Despite the impending protest, the Centre has extended an invitation to farmer representatives for a meeting on February 12 to discuss their demands. Key ministers, including Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai, will meet with representatives of the protesting farmer unions in Chandigarh.
6. Bharatiya Kisan Union's Stance: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lakhowal has declared its decision not to participate in the 'Delhi Chalo' protest on February 13. However, they have vowed to oppose any mistreatment of farmers during the march and have announced plans to launch the 'Gramin Bharat Bandh' protest on February 16.
7. Political Support: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced support for the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' call while criticizing the Modi government for its handling of farmer and soldier issues during its tenure. Kharge highlighted the absence of a formal notification repealing the three farm laws, which were at the heart of the farmers' agitation in 2020.

Conclusion:

The upcoming protest signifies the continuation of the farmers' struggle for their rights and demands, reflecting ongoing tensions between the agricultural community and the government.