Farmers Protest: Thousands of farmers from Punjab are set to resume their Delhi Chalo march today, intensifying their demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP) support for all crops. The decision comes after the fourth round of talks with the central government failed to reach a resolution. Currently stationed at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, the protesting farmers aim to escalate their agitation, which is anticipated to disrupt life in Delhi and its neighboring states due to expected traffic. To ensure the safety of citizens, a heavy amount of security forces have been deployed.According to reports, nearly 14,000 farmers have been permitted to gather at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, accompanied by 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars, 10 mini-buses, and other vehicles, as allowed by the Punjab Police.However, concerns over potential law and order issues have prompted the Haryana Police to request their Punjab counterparts to confiscate bulldozers and other earthmoving equipment at the border. Moreover, the Punjab government has been instructed to keep media persons one kilometer away from the borders. Despite the governments offer to procure three pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for a period of five years, farmer leaders have rebuffed the proposal, reaffirming their intention to resume their march. The Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed concerns over the escalating situation, citing reports of miscreants infiltrating the protests and employing aggressive tactics.Here are the key updates on Farmers Protest: 1. Nearly 14,000 farmers have been permitted to gather at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, accompanied by 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars, 10 mini-buses, and other vehicles, as sanctioned by the Punjab Police. 2. The Ministry of Home Affairs has addressed a letter to the Punjab government expressing concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation within the state. Allegations have been made regarding miscreants masquerading as farmers, engaging in activities such as stone-pelting, and mobilizing heavy machinery along the Shambhu border with Haryana.3. Objections have been raised by the home ministry against the utilization of tractors, JCB machines, and other heavy equipment during the ongoing protests.4. Rejecting the proposal put forth by the central government to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at Minimum Support Price (MSP) by government agencies for a duration of five years, farmers announced their intention to march towards Delhi.5. Confrontations erupted last week between farmers and the Haryana police, who employed measures like barbed wires, concrete barricades, and tear gas shells to obstruct the protesters march.6. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher accused the government of attempting to impede the march to Delhi by any means necessary. He highlighted instances of shelling and bullet usage against tractor tires, demanding accountability for such actions and likening the situation in Haryana to that of Kashmir.7. Reports indicate that following unsuccessful attempts to breach police defenses, farmers have brought in heavy machinery, including excavators and JCB machines. Precautions have been taken to safeguard operators from rubber bullets, and some farmers are equipped with anti-riot gear, including gas masks.8. Law enforcement authorities plan to impede the farmers progress with loaded shipping containers. Enhanced security measures have been implemented at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders, anticipating traffic disruptions.9. A total of 8,000 security personnel have been deployed at the main Delhi borders, where multiple layers of barriers reinforced with concrete, barbed wires, and iron nails have been erected. Dumpers, cranes, and earthmovers are being utilized to deter tractors from entering the capital.10. Farmers are strategizing to approach Delhi via two routes: one through Shambhu, Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat, and the other through Khanouri, Jind, and Rohtak, both originating from the Punjab-Haryana border.
