Comparing ‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest 2024 to 2020’s Farmers’ Protest: 5 Key Differences

Today’s Punjab Farmers’ Protest:

With Participation from Over 200 Farmer Unions in ‘Delhi Chalo’ Movement, Measures Implemented to Thwart Their Advance Towards Delhi, a Departure from the Approach Taken in 2020.

In 2024, farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have taken to the streets, with over 200 farmer unions rallying towards Delhi. This movement follows inconclusive talks between farmer leaders and Union ministers on Monday night.

Union minister Arjun Munda indicated that consensus had been reached on most of the issues raised by the farmers. Additionally, the government proposed the formation of a committee to address any remaining concerns.

Despite these developments, farmer leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity regarding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP). This issue remains a focal point of contention between the farmers and the government.

The Delhi Chalo march, set to kick off at 10 am, encounters a hurdle as the Haryana government erects substantial fencing along the state borders. This measure aims to deter protesters from entering Haryana from Punjab.

Simultaneously, authorities have fortified the borders of Delhi to prevent a repeat of the extensive farmer protests observed in 2020-21. These precautions signify a concerted effort to maintain order and security amidst the ongoing demonstrations.

Exploring the Contrasts: Farmers’ Protest 2.0 Versus 2020’s Demonstrations: 5 Key Differences

1. Current protest: Farmers now demand legal MSP guarantee, Swaminathan Commission implementation, debt waiver, pension, and protest-related case withdrawal.

2. Leadership: Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha lead 2024 protests, while factionalism within Bhartiya Kisan Union and SKM persists.

3. Absent leaders: Rakesh Tikait and Gurnam Singh Charuni missing from 2024 protests, replaced by Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.

4. Tight security: Preventive measures include barbed wire, barricades, and roadblocks to halt farmers’ entry into Delhi, with Haryana sealing borders. Section 144 imposed in Delhi.

5. Government response: Negotiations initiated pre-march, with meetings on February 8 and 12. Cases against farmers from 2020-21 protests to be withdrawn, but no legal MSP guarantee acknowledged.

Punjab Farmers Prepared for Extended Protest with 6 Months’ Rations and Diesel in Tractors

Farmers marching towards Delhi are well-prepared for a prolonged protest, carrying essential supplies like ration and diesel to last for months. Despite sealed borders, they’re determined to press on with their demands, which include securing a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

This protest follows their 2020 demonstration that lasted 13 months at border points. Their resolve remains unwavering, committed to continuing their demonstration until their demands are met.

Harbhajan Singh, a farmer from Punjab’s Gurdaspur, emphasizes their preparedness, stating they’ve stocked their trollies with six months’ worth of provisions, including tools and ample diesel, ready even for their counterparts from Haryana.

Farmers claim diesel supply is being restricted to hinder their tractor and trolley march.

Mr. Singh, a participant in the 2020 farmers’ protest, asserts they won’t back down until their demands are fulfilled.

“We persisted for 13 months last time, but our demands weren’t met. This time, we’ll only leave when all demands are fulfilled,” he stated, driving his tractor from Punjab-Haryana border towards Delhi.

The farmers began their march from Fatehgarh Sahib this morning after failed talks with a government delegation in Chandigarh.

Union ministers held talks with farmer leaders to avert the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. They reached agreements on repealing the Electricity Act 2020, compensating farmers killed in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri, and withdrawing cases against protesting farmers.

Yet, no consensus emerged on three crucial demands: enacting a law guaranteeing MSP for all crops, granting farmer loan waivers, and implementing Swaminathan Commission recommendations.

Arjun Munda, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, expressed the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, indicating the need for consultation with states on certain matters.

Delhi’s defenses have been reinforced to deter farmers from entering, with key border points barricaded and roads obstructed by concrete blocks and nails. Additionally, a month-long ban on public gatherings has been enforced citywide. This has led to significant traffic congestion in border areas due to diversions and police checkpoints.

IGIA Issued A Travel Advisory

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has issued a travel advisory in response to the farmers’ march, urging passengers to adjust their travel plans accordingly and stay informed about potential delays. Security measures at the airport have been increased as a precautionary measure.

Dilli Chalo 2.0: Drone Captures Fortified Delhi Border

#WATCH | Drone visuals from the Singhu border in Delhi where security arrangements have been stepped up by police ahead of the farmers' call for march to Delhi on 13th February. pic.twitter.com/RWJsU8q25S

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024

Traffic Advisory: Routes in Noida and Greater Noida to Avoid During Farmers’ Protest

The Gautam Buddh Police Commissionerate issues a traffic advisory, emphasizing rigorous vehicle inspections along the Delhi borders.

To mitigate inconvenience caused by traffic diversions, police recommend utilizing metro services. Prohibition has been imposed on all types of goods vehicles traveling to Delhi via Yamuna Expressway to Noida/Greater Noida Expressway, and vehicles bound for Surajpur via Sira, Parichowk.

The ‘Delhi Chalo March,’ orchestrated by approximately 200 farmers’ unions and a significant number of farmers, is anticipated to arrive in the national capital on February 13th from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.

Police Recommended Alternative Routes:

1) For vehicles bound for Delhi via Chilla Border: Take 14A flyover to Golchakkar Chowk Sector 15, then proceed via Sandip Paper Mill Chowk and Jhundpura Chowk.

2) For vehicles headed to Delhi via DND Border: Utilize Filmcity flyover to reach sector 18, then continue towards the destination.

3) For vehicles traveling to Delhi via Kalindi Border: Take Mahamaya flyover to reach sector 37, then proceed accordingly.

4) For vehicles destined for Delhi via Yamuna Expressway: Head towards Khurja from Jewar toll and continue via Jahangirpur.

5) For vehicles traveling to Delhi via Peripheral Expressway to Sirsa, Parichowk: Opt for the route towards Dadri, Dasna for smoother passage.

6) Emergency vehicles will have access to secure destinations amidst the traffic diversions.

Source: Times Of India , Google Hindustan Times NDTV

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