A young farmer died on yesterday after the protests resumed on the Punjab-Haryana border which has resulted in tension near the region, after which the ‘Delhi Chalo’ has been paused for two days.
Opposition parties, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, have launched a scathing attack against the Central government for failing to consider the demands of farmers. The BJP-ruled Haryana government has extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts till February 23 due to farmers’ protests. However, Union Minister Anurag Thaker said farmers are the nation’s ‘Annadatas’ and added that the government is always ready for discussion with them.
Here are 10 updates on farmers protest:
A 21-year-old farmer, identified as Subhkaran Singh, succumbed to a head injury on the Punjab-Haryana border at Khanauri.
‘Those officials responsible…,’ Punjab CM assures action after farmer’s death.
Farmer leaders have put the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on hold for two days. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told reporters at Shambhu that they will decide the next course of action on Friday evening.
Farmers have slammed the Centre and the Haryana security personnel for using “force” against farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. A farmer leader alleged that the Haryana security personnel entered their camp in Punjab territory and used tear gas shells. Nearly 100 farmers were injured. Farmer leaders claimed that medicines were lifted and elderly who were sleeping in tractor trollies were beaten up.
Last week, the farmers paused their protest and hunkered down near the town of Shambhu border as their unions engaged in discussions with government ministers. They rejected a proposal offering them five-year contracts of guaranteed prices on a set of certain crops, including maize, grain legumes, and cotton, and decided to resume their march on Wednesday.
Farmers are seeking new legislation that would guarantee minimum prices for 23 crops. The farmers believe this would help stabilize their income. They are also pressing the government to follow through on promises to waive loans and withdraw legal cases brought against them during the earlier 2021 protests.
The government protects agricultural producers against sharp falls in farm prices by setting a minimum purchase price for certain essential crops, a system that was introduced in the 1960s to help shore up food reserves and prevent shortages. The system can apply up to 23 crops, but the government usually offers the minimum price only for rice and whea
