In the heart of India, the capital city of Delhi is grappling with the intensifying 2024 farmers’ protest, led by 250 farmers’ unions united under the banners of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political). This movement, reignited by Punjab farmer unions, two years after the Modi government repealed three farm laws, has become a nationwide call for agricultural reforms. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the complexities of the ongoing protest, its key leaders, demands, and the socio-political dynamics at play.
Delhi Chalo and Key Figures farmers protest 2024:
The Farmers Protest 2024 is synonymous with the rallying cry “Delhi Chalo,” symbolizing the determination of farmers to make their voices heard. As the movement advances towards the borders of Delhi, questions arise about the whereabouts of key figures, including Rakesh Tikait and leaders from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Rakesh Tikait, a prominent farmer leader from the Bharatiya Kisan Union, has chosen to sit out the Delhi Chalo protest but pledges support for the Bharat bandh on February 16. Tikait’s call for an ‘agriculture strike’ on that day encourages farmers not to work on their fields, emphasizing collective action as a powerful message resonating across the country.
Leadership and Unions farmers protest 2024:
At the forefront of the protest are notable leaders like Jagjit Singh Dallewal, president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur farm union, and Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC). These leaders, representing the collective voice of the farmers, have rallied together under the umbrella of 150 non-political unions, emphasizing the unity and strength of their cause.
The Delhi Chalo movement is orchestrated by 250 farmers’ unions, highlighting the widespread support and collaboration among various agricultural groups. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) plays a pivotal role, not only distancing itself from the Delhi Chalo march but also condemning the creation of an atmosphere of terror intended to instill fear among the people.
Demands and Solidarity farmers protest 2024:
The farmers’ demands extend beyond the repeal of the farm laws, encompassing a spectrum of issues crucial for the agricultural community. The primary focus is securing a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, with additional demands such as the implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, justice for the victims of the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri killings, and withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In a show of solidarity, the SKM, alongside other central trade unions, has issued a nationwide strike and rural bandh call scheduled for February 16. This move seeks clarity from Prime Minister Modi on why the government is reluctant to engage in discussions with the farmers’ and workers’ platforms, especially in light of the countrywide Grameen Bandh and the Industrial/Sectoral Strike call on the same day.
Challenges and Restrictions:
The protest has encountered numerous challenges, with Haryana and Rajasthan sealing their borders with Punjab and Delhi imposing a month-long ban on public meetings and certain vehicles. Intensive checking by the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police at pickets along routes bordering the capital has resulted in heavy traffic jams, prompting the implementation of Section 144 across the entire city.
Metro Stations and Security Measures:
Responding to the farmers’ march to the national capital, authorities have imposed restrictions at several Delhi Metro stations. Entry/exit gates at stations including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Udyog Bhawan, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, and Khan Market have been closed for security arrangements. Despite these gate closures, metro stations remain partially operational, allowing passengers to enter and exit through alternative gates.
Sealing the Borders and Pivotal Developments:
A massive deployment of police and paramilitary personnel, coupled with multi-layered barricading, aims to seal the national capital borders at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur. This closure is a preventive measure to stop protesting farmers from entering the city during their march, underscoring the tension between the authorities and the demonstrators.
In a pivotal development, the Punjab Police has granted permission for protesting farmers to cross Rajpura bypass, enabling them to advance towards Haryana’s Ambala and onward to Delhi. This permission marks a significant moment in the ongoing Farmers Protest 2024, as demonstrators continue their peaceful march to press for their demands.
Conclusion:
The 2024 farmers’ protest in Delhi is not merely a localized movement but a nationwide call for agricultural reforms and justice. The Delhi Chalo movement serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on the future of agriculture in India, echoing across the country. The socio-political dynamics, challenges faced by protesters, and the government’s response underscore the complexity of the issues at hand. As the farmers’ movement unfolds, stay tuned for live updates on this transformative chapter in India’s agricultural landscape.