As the Delhi Chalo march garners momentum, heightened security measures at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders signify the determination of protesting farmers to press the Centre to address their longstanding grievances.Demand for guaranteeing MSP: At the forefront of their demands lies the enactment of legislation guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, a critical safeguard against market volatility and economic uncertainties for farmers.Alongside the call for MSP assurance, farmers have underscored several other key demands that remain unresolved despite ongoing negotiations. These include:Repeal of the Electricity Act 2020: Farmers advocate for the reversal of the Electricity Act 2020, which they perceive as detrimental to their interests and agricultural practices.VIDEO | Farmers Delhi Chalo march: Farmers prepare food in Punjabs Fatehgarh Sahib as they march towards Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Q2m0v7JoIb— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2024Compensation for Farmers Killed in Lakhimpur Kheri: The demand for compensation for farmers who lost their lives during the violent clashes in Lakhimpur Kheri reflects the deep-seated grievances and the quest for justice within the farming community.#WATCH | Vajra vehicles, barricades amid heavy security at Tikri Border in view of the march declared by farmers towards the national capital today. pic.twitter.com/4ZI3RwdRg8— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024Withdrawal of Cases Against Protestors: Farmers seek the withdrawal of legal cases filed against individuals involved in the farmers movement, emphasizing the need to address punitive measures taken against dissenting voices.Despite recent discussions and tentative agreements reached in some areas, farmers remain resolute in their pursuit of comprehensive solutions to their grievances. While the government has shown willingness to consider certain concessions, such as the withdrawal of cases against protestors, the absence of concrete legal guarantees for MSP has been a sticking point in negotiations.Watch | Farmers begin their #DelhiChalo march from Fatehgarh Sahib in #PunjabTrack updates here 🔗 https://t.co/TbXNZyUhru#FarmersProtest2024 pic.twitter.com/kzrgWEup0z— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) February 13, 2024The governments proposal to establish a committee to deliberate on issues such as MSP assurance, debt waivers, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations has been met with skepticism by farmer leaders. Concerns persist regarding the efficacy and sincerity of such deliberations in addressing the fundamental concerns of the farming community.Beyond the aforementioned demands, the farmers agenda encompasses a broader spectrum of issues, including the restoration of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and provision of compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during previous agitations.More and more farmers are reaching the Punjab-Haryana border.#FarmersProtest#FarmersProtest2024 pic.twitter.com/XArCUFBKHn— Tractor2ਟਵਿੱਟਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ (@Tractor2twitr_P) February 13, 2024As the Delhi Chalo march progresses and tensions simmer at the borders, the steadfast resolve of the farming community underscores the urgency and significance of addressing their demands. Despite the formidable security measures implemented by authorities, farmers remain undeterred in their pursuit of justice, equity, and dignity in agricultural policies and practices.
