Farmers' Protest Continues: Talks Yield Limited Progress as Demonstrations Intensify

In the ongoing saga of the farmers' protest, today marks the fourth day of the Delhi 'Kooch' (March) by Punjab farmers. The United Farmers Front and Labor Union have called for a rural India shutdown, urging villagers to shutter their shops and refrain from working in the fields. Solidarity with the farmers has also surged in Haryana, where activists from the BKU (Chaduni) have announced toll-free passage across all toll booths from noon to 3 pm.

However, attempts at dialogue between farmer leaders and central ministers on Thursday, February 15, during the third round of talks, remained inconclusive. The discussion stretched from 8 pm till around 1:30 am, with the government proposing the formation of a committee to draft MSP (Minimum Support Price) laws, comprising representatives from both farmers and the government. Farmer leaders remained steadfast on MSP guarantees.

Another round of talks is scheduled for Sunday, February 18, at 6 pm. In attendance will be Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with central ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai. Post the discussion with farmer unions, CM Mann assured a peaceful resolution, emphasizing thorough deliberation on every aspect. However, late on Thursday night, a group of farmers clashed with security forces near the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab. Some protesters resorted to pelting stones and hurling abuses, leading to tensions escalating. Amidst the chaos, a Nihang Singh climbed atop a wall on the Ghaggar river bridge, prompting security personnel to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets. The Nihang Singh sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Allegations of firing upon the Nihang Singh have been raised.

 In Hisar, a panchayat issued a two-day ultimatum to the government, threatening to march to the Delhi border if demands are not met. Rail tracks and toll plazas in Punjab continue to be affected during the nationwide shutdown, with private buses also suspending operations. In Kaliramana, Hisar, a 50-member committee was formed during a panchayat meeting on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the decision to march towards the Delhi border on refusal of demands was affirmed by the Jat Farmers' Struggle Committee in Fatehabad. In anticipation of the protest, the Delhi Police have ordered 30,000 tear gas shells. The central ministers have requested time until Sunday to complete paperwork, with further discussions planned with the high command. The government continues to engage with farmers' demands, having held three rounds of talks in the past nine days. The protest, which began on February 13, shows no signs of abating, with the next round of negotiations slated for the upcoming Sunday.