Farmers Protest LIVE: Tear gas fired, farmers injured at Punjab-Haryana border

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: On reports of drone being brought down into Ghaggar River by farmers using kite, Ambala DC Shaleen denied any such development and rather asked the Patiala administration to take action against farmers flying kites using banned Chinese strings.

Meeting of agitating farm leaders with union ministers fixed for Thursday, confirms a senior Police officer of Punjab who was part of the meeting held between three farm leaders and Intelligence officers at a hotel in Rajpura.

Intelligence officials of Punjab had met farmers leaders at a hotel in Rajpura near Shambhu blockade with a message from the Union Government, it is learnt. Farmer leaders, Dallewal and Pandher have agreed to meet the union ministers in Chandigarh once again, the official said. The farmer leaders were made to talk to senior officials of the Centre through Punjab officials, it is learnt.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai are scheduled to engage in a video conference with leaders of the protesting farmer groups to address their demands, including the assurance of a minimum support price on crops.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Due to the call given by farmer organisations for march to Delhi, the general public is informed that the passengers going from Chandigarh to Delhi should take the route via Panchkula, Barwala, Do Sadka, Barara, Babain, Ladwa, Pipli, Kurukshetra or via Panchkula, Barwala, Yamunanagar (NH-344), reached Delhi via Ladwa, Indri, Karnal, said Haryana Police

Due to the call ‘Delhi Chalo’ from farmers, Section 144 is imposed in 15 districts of Haryana, 64 companies of paramilitary force and 50 companies the state police are deployed.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: CBSE asks students to reach early: The class 10th and 12th board exams are set to commence from Thursday, with nearly 5.8 lakh students will take the exams across 877 centres in Delhi. The exams start at 10.30 am, and students are urged to reach by 10.00 am. Due to potential traffic issues in Delhi, early departure is recommended. CBSE advises using metro services, which are operating smoothly, CBSE said in a circular issued on Wednesday.

Read here: CBSE issues advisory for Class 10th, 12th board exams, points to farmers’ protest

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates:

• On the second day of the farmers’ Delhi Chalo march, traffic remained unrestricted at Ghazipur border with Uttar Pradesh, while Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana were completely closed.

• The national capital witnessed heightened security, with large numbers of personnel deployed and barricades set up at central Delhi and border points with Haryana to regulate movement.

• The NH-9 and NH-24, crucial routes connecting Delhi with Ghaziabad, Noida, and Meerut, experienced uninterrupted traffic movement during the day.

• Heavy traffic was reported on both carriageways of the DND Flyway, prompting Delhi Police to advise commuters to consider alternative routes like the Chilla Border route.

• Multiple layers of barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls were strategically placed at Ghazipur, Singhu, and Tikri border points to deter the farmers’ march.

• A section of a road near the Singhu border village was dug up as an additional measure to prevent the progress of the farmers’ march.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Farmer bodies called for a meeting with central ministers through video conferencing at 6 pm. Farmers to sit at Haryana Raj Bhawan for the meeting.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: During the mock drill at Tikri Border, a DCP-level officer said the “arresting party” should be competent enough to arrest/catch farmers.

” We want people who can catch the protesters. The arresting party should have that in mind” he said.

He later told the women police personnel

“I see you keep handbags with you at all times. You also have anti-riot gear. How will you carry anti-riot gear and “act”? I don’t want to see any handbags from tomorrow…We have noted that many of you have anti-riot kits which aren’t functional. Please report this to your in-charge and get it fixed…”

Standing firmly with the farmers protesting for their legitimate demands, Punjab Government will bear all the cost of treatment expenses to be incurred on injured persons during the ongoing farmers’ protest, said Punjab health minister Balbir Singh.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Wednesday said that it does not support the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, deeming it “political” and not in the best interest of farmers.

In a statement, BKS general secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra emphasised the importance of farmers receiving remunerative prices for their produce based on costs.

He urged an end to “political manoeuvres” under the guise of farmer movements, particularly during elections, citing the potential for violence, chaos, and loss of national property.

Demands of the Farmers:

1. Guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP): Enact a law to guarantee MSP for all crops, in line with the Swaminathan Commission report.

2. Debt Waiver: Demand a complete waiver of farmers’ debts.

3. Pension Scheme: Implement a pension scheme for both farmers and farm laborers.

4. Rejection of Electricity Amendment Bill 2020: Urge to scrap the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.

5. Reintroduction of Land Acquisition Act 2013: Bring back the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring farmer consent and compensation at 4 times the collector rate.

6. Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri Killings: Demand punishment for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

7. Employment and Wage under MGNREGA: Appeal for 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of ₹700 under MGNREGA, linked with farming.

8. Compensation for Deceased Farmers: Seek compensation for the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021, along with providing a job for any family member.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijaya Singh said: “We condemn government action to stop farmers from entering Delhi to have a peaceful protest… Every day in the advertisements of BJP, the central government and the Madhya Pradesh government, we see the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’… Yes, Modi’s guarantee was there, they (the central govt) held meetings with farmers in which it was decided that a law over MSP would be made, the cases over farmers would be withdrawn, and action would be taken against the minister in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident but nothing happened.”

Taking notice of the ongoing protest by the farmers on Shambhu and Khanouri borders, along Haryana, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday announced to suspend the tomorrow’s round of Punjab Bachao Yatra scheduled in Ferozpur and Faridkot districts.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: At the Tikri border, the Delhi Police installed an iron platform under the metro line to install loudspeakers and mast lights. Police said more than 12 CCTVs have also been installed on the platform for surveillance in case the farmers cross the barricades.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: All gates are now open for entry/exit, updated Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Earlier, on Tuesday night, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi talked with injured farmers over phone. In a social media post, he said, “Talked on phone to former soldier Gurmeet Singh ji, who was seriously injured in police atrocities during the farmers’ movement.”

“Equired about his health and expressed support to him for their peaceful movement demanding their rights,” the former Congress chief said.

Read in detail: Rahul Gandhi phones farmers

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced the convening of a meeting of the party’s core committee, the top decision-making body. This decision comes in the wake of protests by farm bodies that have planned the ‘Delhi Chalo’ yatra, presently held up at Shambu and Khanouri borders.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “In 2011, Narendra Modi, as Gujarat chief minister and chairman of a working group, had submitted a report to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which said that ‘In order to protect the interest of the farmers, we must ensure through legal provisions that no transaction between farmer and trader should be done below MSP’,” Congress communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh said in an X post.

“But till date, there is neither legal guarantee of MSP nor is it based on the Swaminathan formula of C2 50%,” he added..

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Amidst the ongoing farmers’ protest in Delhi, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday said that efforts to engage in constructive dialogue with the farmers’ union persist.

The minister also expressed readiness to hold discussions considering all viewpoints and appealed for a conducive environment for dialogue.

“I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers’ union will continue. Farmers’ organizations must understand that the decision on the law that is being talked about cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it,” he said.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “The report on MSP came in 2004 when Congress was in power. Why didn’t they do anything in 10 years?… The farmers want to go to Delhi and have a conversation with representatives of the Govt but when they came to Chandigarh, the farmer leaders refused to talk to them. I am surprised that the Punjab Govt has released a notice asking us not to send drones to our border…. When farmers started moving from Amritsar, they did not even try to stop them. This clearly means that they want the farmers to create terror in Delhi. Stone pelting is going on and one of our DSP & 25 other police officers are injured in this…” says Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij.

Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher on Wednesday requested the government to stop using tear gas and other forces against the protesting farmers and create a cordial atmosphere.

He alleged that the police used self-loading rifle (SLR) with plastic and rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the farmers who were marching to the national capital on Tuesday.

“Police used SLR bullets, tear gas, plastic and rubber bullets to disperse our farmers. These kinds of actions are not acceptable. The way they are making our perception in the media is not right. They are putting the tag of Khalistani, calling us the supporter of Congress and Punjab government, which is not correct,” Pandher said while addressing the media.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Wednesday said the tillers will consider any invitation for talks from the Centre over their demands but it should ensure a positive atmosphere for dialogue.

He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enact a law to guarantee the minimum support price (MSP).

“It is said that you (Modi) have a big heart. Give us a law to guarantee the MSP,” Pandher said.

When asked whether farmers have received any invitation for holding talks, he said it was being said that the Centre was inviting farmers for a dialogue.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: In view of the farmer’s protest, Haryana farm leader Gurnam Singh Charuni has called a meeting of the office bearers of his union to discuss the prevailing situation on Thursday. In a video message, the leader criticised the action by Haryana authorities on the protesting farmers.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: The Singhu border has been shut for vehicular traffic for second consecutive day in a row.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Speaking to reporters at the Sonipat border, Commissioner Satheesh Balan said, “We are confident that farmers won’t be able to cross the Sonipat border”. Heavy security is deployed at borders of Delhi following the ‘Delhi chalo’ call by farmer unions.

“Majority of the arrangements have been made by the Delhi Police. (Meanwhile), we would try to stop them (farmers) at the Panipat-Sonipat border. We have put up our barricades there. Here we will play the complementary role to the Delhi Police,” he said.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “We condemn govt action to stop farmers from entering Delhi to have a peaceful protest… Every day in the BJP, the central govt and the Madhya Pradesh government advertisement we see the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’… Yes, Modi’s guarantee was there, they (the central govt) held meetings with farmers in which it was decided that a law over MSP would be made, the cases over farmers would be withdrawn, and action would be taken against the minister in Lakhimpur Kheri incident… But, the irony is that PM Modi has chosen the Corporate Minister (Piyush Goyal) to communicate with the farmers, he represents the corporate world and the corporate’s interest lies in the exploitation of the farmers…”, said Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Opposition leaders criticised the government’s response to the farmers marching to Delhi, demanding guaranteed crop prices in a repeat of the 2021 protests. Police fired tear gas at hundreds of farmers who tried to break barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala blocking their way to New Delhi. Read here

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Security arrangements to prevent a march of farmers to the Capital remained in place on Wednesday a day after thousands of protesters faced off with security personnel as they tried to cross layers of barricading at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab. The protesters late on Tuesday night vowed to resume the march on Wednesday morning hours after at least 110 of them were injured in clashes with security forces, who used tear gas shells and water cannons. Dig Deeper

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Day after farmers began their ‘Chalo Delhi’ protest, Delhi Police issued a fresh traffic advisory on Wednesday. The farmers’ march towards Delhi on Tuesday encountered turmoil at the Punjab-Haryana border, with protesters confronting tear gas shells, water cannons, and police baton charges at two locations. The clashes ensued as demonstrators tried to breach multiple layers of barricades erected by the police to block their path towards the national capital. Read More

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “The government should seriously consider the demands of the hardworking farmers who have made our India self-sufficient in terms of food, and should resolve them appropriately and timely with empathy so that the food-providing farmers do not have to be forced to protest again and again in support of their demands,” the BSP supremo said in a post on ‘X’.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Traffic was affected in the border areas of Delhi on Wednesday as police erected several layers of barricades and stopped the movement of vehicles at the Singhu and Tikri borders in view of farmers’ proposed march to Delhi.

While Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana have been entirely closed for traffic, vehicular movement is still allowed at the Ghazipur border in a regulated manner.

A section of a road in a village near the Singhu border was dug up to prevent the farmers’ march to Delhi.

Apsara and Ghazipur borders with Uttar Pradesh are open for traffic but there is a heavy security deployment at both.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “The BJP has always supported the farmers. Our governments have worked for them. While former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee started the Kisan Credit Card, PM Modi after taking the oath launched the Kisan Samman Nidhi for the farmers,” says MoS Ajay Teni speaking about farmers’ protest.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “There is an attempt to make a perception about us. We have not come here for confrontation with the government,” farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said while speaking at Shambhu border.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Extensive security arrangements are in place in the national capital ahead of day of ‘Delhi chalo’ march by farmers. Visuals from the borders showed heavy deployment of forces including those of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “I would like to say that the Modi Government has taken several steps in the last 10 years to encourage the agriculture sector and for the welfare of farmers. When they posed their demands, the government sent its senior leaders and continued the dialogue…What is the reason that new demands are being added to the demands?…If new demands are being added, more time is also required. States need time to hold discussions…” Anurag Thakur said.

(ANI)

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Long traffic jams hit the Delhi-Ghaziabad border were seen on Wednesday due to the farmers’ protest and security checks put in place by the authorities.

Rapid Action Force personnel, Police personnel and Riot Control Vehicles are deployed at the Singhu Border in Delhi in view of the farmers’ protest.

The morning visuals showed that security arrangements have been intensified at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, as farmers who marched towards Delhi on Tuesday clashed with the police.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: “We have come for MSP of our crops, to demand compensation for our brothers who died in Lakhimpur (Kheri) and loan waiver. Farmers should get pension, we have come for our rights,” says Amandeep Kaur from Punjab’s Khanna district.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Authorities in Punjab have raised an objection over the use of a drone by Haryana to air-drop tear gas shells on agitating farmers in their territory at the Shambhu border, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Punjab’s Patiala Deputy Commissioner (DC) Showkat Ahmed Parray has written to the Ambala Deputy Commissioner, asking him not to send their drone inside Punjab’s territory at the Shambhu border near Ambala.

Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: 37 farm bodies led by BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal to meet in Jalandhar today amid their call for Bharat bandh on February 16.