Farmers Protest: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the use of tear gas shells against farmers at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab as they marched towards Delhi. Expressing concern over the treatment of farmers fighting for their fundamental rights, Banerjee questioned how the country could progress amidst such repression.BJP Condemned for Failure to Support FarmersBanerjee criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for its failure to support farmers and labourers, denouncing their claims of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) as mere illusions. She urged the BJP to focus on addressing the genuine grievances of farmers instead of resorting to suppressive measures.Solidarity with FarmersEmphasising the crucial role of farmers in sustaining the nation, Banerjee expressed solidarity with their cause. She called upon citizens to stand united with farmers against the governments heavy-handed tactics.Chaos at Shambhu BorderMeanwhile, chaos ensued at the Shambhu border as protesting farmers clashed with the Haryana police while attempting to breach barricades and march towards Delhi. The police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and erected concrete barriers to deter the protestors.Farmers DemandsThe farmers have presented a list of 12 demands to the central government, including the enactment of a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission. They also seek a complete debt waiver, pension scheme for farmers and labourers, and the scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.Additionally, the farmers demand the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, punishment for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings, and compensation for families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021.Appeal for Employment and CompensationFurthermore, the farmers appeal for 200 days of employment per year under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) linked to farming, along with compensation and job opportunities for the families of deceased farmers.As tensions escalate between the farmers and the government, Mamata Banerjees condemnation of the tear gas attack highlights the urgency of addressing the farmers grievances through dialogue and meaningful action. Solidarity and support for the farmers cause remain essential in the pursuit of justice and equitable treatment for Indias agricultural community.
