New Delhi: India celebrated its 78th Independence Day today with patriotic fervor across the nation. However, amidst the festivities, farmers from Punjab and Haryana expressed their ongoing discontent with the central government. They took to the streets in a tractor march, demanding various reforms, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops.
Persistent Farmer Protests
This isn’t the first time that farmers have chosen Independence Day as a platform to voice their grievances. Whether on Independence Day or Republic Day, they have consistently staged fierce protests, emphasizing their demands related to agricultural policies.
The Unyielding Demand for MSP
Farmers from Haryana and Punjab remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Their primary demand centers around securing a legal guarantee for MSP, which ensures fair prices for their produce. Today, on the 78th Independence Day, they organized tractor marches at multiple locations in both states.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ March
The United Kisan Morcha (a non-political organization) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are leading the “Delhi Chalo” march in support of farmers’ demands. Originating in Punjab, this march began on February 13, 2024, with farmers marching toward New Delhi to exert pressure on the central government. However, the Haryana Police halted their progress on the Ambala-New Delhi National Highway.
Clashes with Law Enforcement
In response to police actions, farmers clashed with law enforcement personnel. Since then, they have maintained protest camps at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. In Amritsar, a massive tractor march involving 600 tractors took place on Thursday. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher led this march, covering approximately 30 kilometers from Attari to the Golden Gate.
Other Demonstrations
Ambala, Haryana, witnessed another tractor march, passing through Balana, Shahzadpur, and Narayangarh villages. Farmer Navdeep Singh spearheaded this demonstration. Meanwhile, in Pinjore, Panchkula, farmers rallied under the leadership of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) leader Tejveer Singh.
The farmers’ unwavering commitment to their cause continues to shape the discourse around agricultural policies in India.
