Tear Gas Fired at Punjab-Haryana Border as Farmers Demand MSP Legalization

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:

  1. Farmer leaders rejected the government’s offer to purchase select crops at the old MSP, citing dissatisfaction with the limited coverage and pricing formula.
  2. 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.
  3. Concerns were raised over the clause linking MSP to crop diversification, prompting the farmers to reject the proposal.
  4. Previous rounds of talks in Chandigarh failed to yield a resolution, with Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda highlighting attempts by disruptive elements to influence negotiations.
  5. Around a lakh farmers stationed at Shambhu on the Punjab-Haryana border await resolution while fortified highways and heightened security measures surround Delhi.
  6. Preparations akin to a defensive stance are evident, with barriers and drone surveillance along the highways leading to Delhi.
  7. Security measures have been intensified, with border crossings barricaded and a month-long ban on public gatherings imposed in Delhi.
  8. Despite their determination, farmers emphasize peaceful protest and appeal to the government to refrain from using force.
  9. In addition to MSP legalization, farmers advocate for farm loan waivers, stable electricity tariffs, and resolution of police cases from 2020/21 protests.
  10. 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.
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