Punjab-Haryana Border, February 14: Despite a temporary “ceasefire” following clashes with security personnel, farmers remain steadfast at the Punjab-Haryana border and are set to resume their march towards Delhi on Wednesday. Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has emphasized that enacting a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops requires thorough consultation with all stakeholders, urging protesting farmer groups to engage in a structured discussion with the government on the issue.
Munda, cautioning against elements seeking to exploit the protest for political gains, urged the protesting farmers to stay “aware and alert.” The government’s ministerial delegation has engaged in two rounds of discussions with farmer groups, including Samyuka Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha in Chandigarh, in an attempt to address their concerns. However, as talks remained inconclusive, farmers have resumed their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.
Chaos unfolded at the Shambhu border, with police attempting to stop protestors from entering the national capital. Images depicted farmers using tractors and hand weapons to break multi-layered barricades, while Haryana police detained several protesters during Tuesday’s march. Tear gas and water cannons were deployed by the police to disperse the protestors, resulting in a tense standoff.
Ministerial Discussions on Farmers’ Protests:
Senior Union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, convened in the national capital on Wednesday to discuss ongoing farmers’ protests and explore ways to address the issues. The meeting gains significance amid farmers from Punjab marching towards Delhi and clashes at the Shambhu border where tear gas shells were employed by Haryana Police.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, a former agriculture minister, engaged in deliberations on various farmer issues with Arjun Munda, who is currently responsible for the agriculture ministry. Munda had previously participated in discussions with farmer groups, marking a concerted effort by the government to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The situation remains tense as farmers persist in their journey towards Delhi, seeking the repeal of contentious farm laws and assurances on MSP for their crops.
