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Farmers at the borders of Delhi are poised to continue their protests as the fourth round of talks with the central government is scheduled for Sunday. Following the conclusion of the third round of talks on Thursday, which ended on a positive note, the Union Ministers have requested additional time to address the paperwork concerning the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, and other issues.
The latest round of discussions between farmer representatives and Central Ministers saw significant progress, with both sides expressing optimism about finding common ground. The meeting, which stretched well past midnight, was described as “very positive” by the Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai. It was agreed that further deliberations would take place on Sunday evening, emphasizing the commitment to resolve the ongoing impasse.
At the same time, the farmers leaders, during the marathon meeting that started with over three hours delay at 8:15 pm continued till 1:30 am, also made it clear that the Central Government need to find the resolution to their demands before the model code of conduct comes into effect in view of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.
A delegation of 14 farmer leaders, led by Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, echoed the same sentiment, deeming the discussions on crucial issues like Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waivers as “fruitful”. “They have sought time for paperwork…we will hold talks again on Sunday…We do not want to give the impression that farmers are running away from discussion to resolve this issue,” said Pandher.
During the talks, various topics were addressed comprehensively, including MSP, the Swaminathan report, debt relief, and concerns about internet suspension in the region. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has been actively involved in brokering peace, reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of the state's residents and maintaining a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
Assurances were obtained from the Central Government regarding the restoration of internet services and the reinstatement of suspended social media pages. Additionally, efforts were made to address concerns about the use of force, with assurances given to exercise restraint in dealing with protesters.
Both sides emphasized the importance of dialogue and expressed a willingness to continue discussions in good faith. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) president Jagjit Singh Dallewal highlighted the productive nature of the discussions and the government's acknowledgment of the need for dialogue on key issues affecting farmers.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator Sarvan Singh Pandher stressed the peaceful nature of the protests and reiterated the commitment to finding a resolution through dialogue. Concerns were raised about the suspension of social media accounts and the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, with assurances sought for their redressal.
However, underlying concerns persist, particularly regarding the use of tear gas shells and other aggressive measures against peaceful protesters. “We have brought along a sack full of tear gas shells, pellet bullets shells and have shown this to the Ministers….They has no answer. But they have assured that it would not be there any further,” said Pandher.
The discussions also encompassed issues such as spurious seeds and fertilizers, with calls for stringent action against those engaging in such activities. The marathon meeting underscored the urgency of finding a resolution before further escalation occurs.
Prior to meeting with the farmers on Thursday evening, the three Union Ministers held discussions with the Chief Minister Mann at a private hotel in Chandigarh to relay proposals aimed at resolving the impasse. While the details of these proposals remain undisclosed, they offer a glimmer of hope for a potential breakthrough in the ongoing dispute.
As the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march by Punjab farmers continues, with protests intensifying at border points with Haryana, the importance of constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution remains paramount.
Tear Gas Fired
Tensions escalated once again at the Shambhu border on Friday, where protesting farmers from Punjab have been stationed. The situation took a turn for the worse as Haryana Police resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports indicate that the tear gas shelling persisted for approximately 15 minutes, creating a chaotic scene near the barricades separating the two states. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the tear gas shells were fired in close proximity to the barricades where the protestors have been rallying, intensifying the turmoil. It is alleged that several youths resorted to setting gunny bags ablaze and hurling them towards the security personnel, triggering the use of tear gas in response.
Mann Raises Strong Objection Over Tear Gas Shells By Haryana Police On Farmers
A controversy of sorts has erupted over the use of tear gas shells by Haryana police via drones within Punjab’s territory. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, during the meeting with the Union minister on Thursday night, expressed strong objection to this incident.
He remarked that farmers are protesting within their own area in Punjab, and such actions are entirely unacceptable, not to be tolerated under any circumstances. Empty tear gas shells, purportedly thrown by drones, were also presented during the meeting. Mann stated that the Central Ministers assured him that such actions will not be repeated in the future.
The incident stemmed from the fact that many demands of farmers related to the Central Government remain unresolved, including issues concerning legal guarantee on MSP for crops. Consequently, farmers decided to march towards Delhi, but on February 13, as soon as they reached Haryana-Punjab border on their march towards the national capital, Haryana police resorted to using tear gas shells via drones to deter them. These shells were launched into Punjab territory, resulting in several farmers sustaining serious injuries.
As per reports, the eyes, bodies, and faces of the farmers bore severe wounds, prompting the farmers to raise this issue prominently. Their voices reached the Government, and opposition parties also rallied behind them. Subsequently, the Punjab government wrote a letter to the Haryana government expressing strong objections to this act of aggression.
In response, Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij questioned Punjab's reaction, asking whether refraining from sending drones meant turning the area into the India-Pakistan border. He also raised questions about Punjab's efficiency, asking why farmers were not stopped at the Punjab border.
CM also raised issue of Internet Shutdown in Punjab
During the meeting, Mann also brought up the matter of internet shutdown in Punjab’s three districts bordering Haryana — Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Sangrur. He highlighted the adverse impact on students’ studies, particularly during ongoing examinations and online learning sessions. Shutting down internet services entirely is wholly unjustifiable, he emphasized. However, he also mentioned that the Ministers have assured him that this matter will be addressed on a priority basis.