Farmers Protest: What We Know So Far
Since the start of the farmers protest march ‘Delhi Chalo’ on February 13, there have been multiple confrontations, clashes and the destruction of barricades. The government had prepared to confront the protest even before the beginning of the march, placing concrete barricades, iron nails, and heavy police deployment among other deterrents. Here is a short timeline of what happened so far since the beginning of the farmers protest march.
On February 13, given the declared farmers” march to the national capital, several gates towards Delhi were shut, with the entry of passengers only being permitted. The central government requested the Delhi government to convert Bawana stadium into a makeshift jail but the Delhi government rejected it saying farmers” demands were genuine and hence cannot be arrested.
At the beginning of the protest, a few farmers were detained near the Shambu border at the Haryana-Punjab border and entry points into the National Capital. As farmers broke barricades, at the Shambhu border, police fired tear gas. By evening, many farmers faced tear gas and water cannons at the Khanauri border in the Jind district
On the February 14 morning, tear gas was fired at the farmers gathering near the Shambhu border to resume their protest. Internet was suspended at many places along the border The porters planned to break the barricades, with several places the tractors breaking the police barricades.
Kisan march called for protests across India on February 16. Congress announced its decision to implement minimum support price (MSP) if the INDIA bloc comes to power. Rahul Gandhi visits Delhi and speaks with injured farmers in the clash with police.
Massive traffic jams were reported in different parts of Delhi due to the police check-up at the borders. Farmers’ leader Rakesh Tikait, who was one of the key figures in the 2021 protest called the farmers to be ready for another campaign.
Haryana police used drones to shell tear gas at the farmers to disperse them. Farmers countered the drone by flying kites. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher asked the government to arrange a positive atmosphere for dialogue.
Cement blocks and barbed wires at the border were put in several places. Farmers prepared themselves to confront the hurdles by readying their tractors and making other arrangements. Some roads were even dug up as the farmers prepared to continue their stir.
Many political parties including CPM, SP, and Congress condemn the government”s action against the protesting farmers.
Today (February 15), a panel of three union ministers were announced to hold talks with farmers. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher says their demands are a matter of life and death for us,’ says the farmer. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the motives of the farmers have to be seen, noting that the discussions should be held democratically.
Massive queues of tractors were seen on the Shambhu border and Haryana police resumed tear gas firing. Delhi police have implemented Section 144, banning the entry of tractor-trolleys.
