- By Vivek Raj
- Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:29 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers persists as farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher declares that the agitation will not cease until their demands are addressed. The standoff between Union ministers and farmer representatives remains unresolved after four rounds of discussions.
In memory of a deceased farmer, Shubhkaran, who lost his life during clashes at Khanauri, Punjab, protesters organised a candlelight vigil at Shambhu and Khanauri border points. The cremation of the deceased remains pending as farmer leaders demand Punjab government intervention to initiate an FIR against those accountable for his demise.
Here are the top updates:
-Authorities in Delhi have initiated the partial reopening of the Singhu and Tikri border points with Haryana, nearly two weeks after their closure due to the farmers' march. However, vigilance continues as the situation remains under observation, and borders may be resealed if necessary.
-The protest march, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), faces an uncertain future as farmer leaders declare a halt until the end of February. The next course of action will be decided on February 29 after assessing the situation at Khanauri and Shambhu points.
-Meanwhile, farmer leader Pandher affirmed that the agitation will persist, unaffected by the model code of conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "It is certain that this agitation will continue as long as (our) demands are not met. If they (Centre) accept our demands tomorrow, we will take a decision on the agitation," he said.
"We do not have to distribute tickets for MPs. So we do not need to worry about the model code of conduct. We are not going to campaign at polling booths," he added.
-Meanwhile, Congress's Punjab unit demands an FIR against Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij over the police action during the protests. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced compensation and a government job for Shubhkaran's sister, which the farmer leader refused. Farmers demanded that the state government accord Shubhkaran 'martyr' status.
-Farmers plan a seminar on February 25 to discuss the impact of the WTO agreement on the agriculture sector. Effigies of the WTO and the Centre will be burnt on February 26 to protest against their policies.
-A series of meetings are scheduled within the farmer forums, including one on February 27 and a joint meeting on February 28, to strategise and coordinate the ongoing agitation.
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-Thousands of farmers continue to camp at Khanauri and Shambhu, about 200 kilometers from Delhi, demanding a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
