Persistent Farmers Forge Ahead: Resilient March Towards Delhi Despite Sealed Borders
In a determined display of resolve, thousands of farmers, equipped with sufficient provisions and fuel to endure months-long protests, are marching towards Delhi. The border points leading to the national capital have been sealed, attempting to thwart their entry. Undeterred, the farmers, rallying for various demands, including a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, recall their 2020 protest that endured for 13 months at the border points.
The farmers, unwavering in their commitment, assert that their patience is unyielding, and they are resolute in continuing their demonstration until their demands find fulfillment.
Harbhajan Singh, a farmer from Punjab's Gurdaspur, en route to Delhi on his tractor, expresses their preparedness: "From a needle to hammer, we have everything we need in our trolleys, including tools to break stones. We left our village with six months' ration with us. We have enough diesel, even for our brothers from Haryana." He, having participated in the 2020 protest, insists that they won't retreat until all their demands are met, emphasizing the government's failure to uphold promises made during the previous protest.
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"We didn't budge through the 13 months last time. We were promised our demands will be met, but the government didn't keep its promise. This time, we will leave only after all our demands are met," asserts Mr. Singh, steering his tractor from the Punjab-Haryana border towards Delhi.
The farmers initiated their march from Fatehgarh Sahib after late-night negotiations with a government delegation in Chandigarh proved fruitless. Despite efforts by two Union ministers to dissuade the 'Delhi Chalo' march, an agreement was reached to repeal the Electricity Act 2020, provide compensation to farmers killed in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri, and withdraw cases against farmers from the previous movement.
However, three critical demands, including the enactment of a law guaranteeing MSP for all crops, farmer loan waiver, and the implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations, remained unresolved. Arjun Munda, Minister for State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, asserts the government's commitment to farmers' welfare but underscores the need for consultations with states on certain issues.
Delhi, anticipating the farmers' arrival, has fortified its defenses, sealing key border points such as Ghazipur, Tikri, and Singhu. Concrete blocks and nails adorn the roads, strategically placed to impede the progress of tractors and trollies attempting to enter the city. Additionally, the police have imposed a month-long ban on public gatherings throughout the entire city.
As the farmers press forward with their resolute march, the nation watches closely, awaiting the resolution of this standoff between the agricultural community and the government. The unfolding events underscore the persistence and unwavering determination of the farmers as they navigate barricades and challenges in their quest for justice and fulfillment of their demands.