Tear gas shells have been deployed at the Punjab-Haryana border as farmers, advocating for legal backing for Minimum Support Price (MSP), gear up for a march towards Delhi. In response to escalating tensions, the government has convened for a fifth round of talks, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the violent protests witnessed in 2020/21.
Here are the Top 10 points in this significant development:
- Farmer leaders rejected the government’s offer to purchase select crops at the old MSP, citing dissatisfaction with the limited coverage and pricing formula.
- The proposed pricing formula, based on A2+FL+50%, was deemed insufficient by farmers, who advocate for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s C2+50% formula.
- Concerns were raised over the clause linking MSP to crop diversification, prompting the farmers to reject the proposal.
- Previous rounds of talks in Chandigarh failed to yield a resolution, with Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda highlighting attempts by disruptive elements to influence negotiations.
- Around a lakh farmers stationed at Shambhu on the Punjab-Haryana border await resolution while fortified highways and heightened security measures surround Delhi.
- Preparations akin to a defensive stance are evident, with barriers and drone surveillance along the highways leading to Delhi.
- Security measures have been intensified, with border crossings barricaded and a month-long ban on public gatherings imposed in Delhi.
- Despite their determination, farmers emphasize peaceful protest and appeal to the government to refrain from using force.
- In addition to MSP legalization, farmers advocate for farm loan waivers, stable electricity tariffs, and resolution of police cases from 2020/21 protests.
- Their demands extend to a public sector crop insurance scheme, pension for elderly farmers, and accountability for the Lakhimpur Kheri incident involving junior Home Minister Ajay Mishra Teni.
