Amidst the looming ‘Delhi Chalo’ call by farmers on February 13, a pivotal meeting was held in Chandigarh on Thursday evening, where representatives from the Centre, State Government, and farmer leaders engaged in discussions to deter the upcoming protest. Organized by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the meeting has drawn the participation of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, and Minister of State Nityanand Rai, along with prominent farmer leaders from Punjab.
The meeting assumes significant importance as it aims at addressing the grievances of farmers and potentially finding a resolution to prevent the escalation of tensions leading to the planned protest. With tensions simmering between the farmers and the Central Government over various contentious issues, including the demand for legal guarantees on minimum support price (MSP) for crops, the outcome of the meeting could have far-reaching implications.
Till the filing of the report, the meeting, being held at Chandigarh’s Punjab Bhawan since evening, was underway till night.
The farmers’ agitation, led by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the non-political Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), has gained momentum in recent weeks, with preparations for the ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest intensifying. However, internal divisions within the farmer unions have emerged, with some prominent leaders refraining from participating in the upcoming protest.
Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, a key figure in the 2020 farmers’ agitation, expressed the intention to discuss the outcomes of the meeting within their extensive coalition, comprising over 150 associations. While acknowledging past allegations of opposition support during previous protests, Sarwan Singh Pandher, another prominent farmer leader, dismissed such claims, citing the unity and resolve of the farming community.
Initially, the farmers rebuffed the discussions initiated by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's office, urging them to halt the protest. Subsequent attempts to schedule talks were met with the explanation that no Union Minister would be available until February 14.
However, on February 6, Punjab Chief Minister convened an online meeting, with the participation of the Punjab DGP, ADGPs, and various other officials. Following this, Mann facilitated a meeting between farmers and BJP ministers, providing written details regarding the time and location of the meeting.
Presently, a 10-member delegation from KMM and SKM (non-political) is participating in the meeting, following which a decision-making process will ensue.
The ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest, scheduled for February 13, has been endorsed by over 100 farmer unions associated with the KMM and SKM. However, dissent within the ranks of the farmer unions is evident, with notable figures like Balbir Singh Rajewal and Joginder Singh Ugrahan opting out of the protest. The internal divisions underscore the complexity of the farmers’ movement and the diverse range of opinions within the agricultural community.
The farmers’ demands, whoever, remain consistent, encompassing issues such as the legal guarantee of MSP, punishment for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, withdrawal of FIRs lodged during previous protests, and pension schemes for elderly farmers. These demands reflect the deep-seated grievances of the farming community and their persistent struggle for economic security and social justice.
As preparations for the protest intensify, the authorities have heightened security measures at the Haryana-Punjab border, deploying barricades and increasing surveillance to deter the movement of protesting farmers. The proactive measures by the Haryana government, including the deployment of central forces and the imposition of Section 144, signify a robust response to the anticipated protest.
Meanwhile, the police and administration are on high alert, with stringent actions warned against those supporting the protest without permission. Measures such as vehicle confiscation and passport cancellations underscore the government's determination to maintain law and order and prevent any disruption caused by unauthorized protests.
The meeting in Chandigarh comes at a critical juncture, offering an opportunity for dialogue and negotiation between the farmers and the government. While the farmers remain steadfast in their demands, the outcome of the meeting could shape the trajectory of the protest and its impact on the broader discourse surrounding agricultural reforms and farmers' rights.
The Demands
In the interim, farmers’ union leaders have formally communicated their demands to the union Agriculture Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) via email. Their entry into Delhi is planned through the Shambhu border.
The farmers’ demands encompass several key issues, including the insistence on MSP for all crops, justice for the perpetrators involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, withdrawal of all FIRs filed during the farmers’ protests, provision of a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for farmers aged 60 and above, along with various other requisites.
