Delhi Chalo: What is Farmers’ Protest 2.0?
Farmers in India and Europe protest for MSP and other demands, negotiations ongoing amid tight security in Delhi. Watch our video for all the details.
Farmers across India have once again taken to the streets, resuming their protests for various demands, including a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. This resurgence of the protest movement follows the withdrawal of the contentious farm laws by the government, which ended the previous protests in 2020-21. We had covered the previous Farmers’ Protest in our older videos, you can watch them here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QMD024bDYs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG9NwU51wkg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_unAAQZanaI&t=142s
In addition to MSP assurance, farmers are also advocating for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, agricultural loan waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, withdrawal of cases against protesters from the previous agitation, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The current protests, known as Farmers' Protest 2.0, are being led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a non-political group, along with the Kisan Majdoor Morcha. Unlike the previous protests, which saw broad support from various sections of society, including activists, artists, and professionals, the present movement is marked by divisions among farmer unions and has elements of identity politics.
Despite the government's early engagement in negotiations, tensions have escalated, with strict security measures implemented in Delhi and neighboring states. These measures include the deployment of thousands of police and paramilitary personnel, barricading of borders, and restrictions on movement.
Clashes have occurred at the Punjab-Haryana border, with reports of tear gas being used by police to disperse protesters. The situation has led to traffic disruptions and advisories issued by authorities, including the Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi Airport.
As the protests continue, farmers have announced plans for a 'rail roko' (train stoppage) in Haryana, while the third round of talks between farmers and the government is scheduled for February 15, 2024.
Meanwhile, similar farmer protests have emerged in European countries like France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Poland, highlighting global concerns over agricultural policies, taxes, and environmental regulations.
The outcome of the ongoing negotiations between Indian farmers and the government remains uncertain, with both sides hoping for a resolution to the impasse.
