Farmers' Protest LIVE Updates: Farmer Leaders To Hold Talks With Govt Tomorrow, Agitation To Continue at Shambhu Border
Catch live news updates of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest march here.
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Farmers Protest LIVE Updates: Tear gas shells were used against farmers on Wednesday, 14 February, at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as they were approaching the police barricades amid the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.
Meanwhile, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that farmer leaders have agreed to hold talks with the Centre regarding their demands.
Farmers' unions had begun their protest march on Tuesday to press their demands regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP), justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence, loan waivers, and other issues.
Here's a look at the 12 key demands of the protesting farmers.
Multi-layered barricading installed at Ghazipur border in view of farmers Delhi Chalo march.
Farmers face tear gas used by the police to disperse them during the second day of their Delhi Chalo march, at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, near Patiala.
Police use tear gas to disperse protesting farmers gathered at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during the second day of their Delhi Chalo march, near Patiala.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that over 200 farmers' unions are taking part in the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.
Most of the protesting farmers hail from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Police are allegedly using force against the protesting farmers by firing tear gas shells, rubber bullets, water cannons, etc.
Farmers are using makeshift arrangements such as shields made of road signs, applying wet packs, and multani mitti coating to protect themselves.
Internet and SMS services have been shut down in various parts of Haryana in view of the farmers' protest.
The social media accounts of several farmer union leaders and farmer organisations have been blocked upon government request.
The Congress has assured a legal guarantee on MSP if the party is re-elected to power at the Centre.
The Delhi Police has banned large gatherings across the city till 12 March and issued a traffic advisory, warning of disruptions in vehicular movement.
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What Are the Demands of the Farmers?
Apart from a legal guarantee regarding the MSP, some of the farmers are demanding a complete loan waiver, a pension scheme of Rs 10,000 for senior farmers, steps to improve the quality of seeds, and 200 days of employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Security Beefed Up
In view of the protest, the Delhi Police on Monday banned large gatherings across the city till 12 March due to concerns about political unrest emanating out of the farmers' march.
Security has also been beefed up in the national capital, including the setting up of barbed wires and barricades.
Talks With Union Ministers Inconclusive
The farmer leaders had held a meeting with Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai on Monday to press their demands. However, they decided to march towards Delhi on Tuesday after the meeting was reportedly "inconclusive".
SC Bar Association Prez Demands Action Against Farmers
Supreme Court Bar Association president Adish Aggarwala has written to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud demanding suo motu action against the protesting farmers, news agency ANI reported.
Aggarwala alleges that the farmers are trying to enter the national capital to create nuisance and disrupt the lives of residents.
X Accounts of Farmer Leaders Blocked
The X (formerly Twitter) accounts of a few farmer leaders, reportedly including those who held discussions with Union Ministers on Monday, have been blocked.
The blocked accounts include those of @phool_surjeet, @rammanmaann1974, @bkuSbs, @PandherSarvan, Tveer_13, and @tractor2twitr_i.
'Don't Want to Cause Inconvenience for Common Man'
Farmer leader Lakhwinder Singh said that farmer unions will start marching towards New Delhi once they get directions to do so, adding that they have no intention of inconveniencing common people.
"The people are ready and the meeting is also happening. We don't wish to cause inconvenience to the common man. As soon as we get the direction after the meeting, we will march forward," he said, as per Hindustan Times.
Farmers Begin Protest March
Farmers commenced their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march from Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib at around 10 AM.
'Traffic Slight Disrupted Due to Protest': Noida Police
The Noida Police said that while traffic has been disrupted to an extent amid the farmers' protest march, all arrangements have been made to ensure smooth movement of vehicles.
"The UP Police and Delhi Police are constantly monitoring the situation at the Delhi-Noida border. Due to this, the traffic has been slightly affected. However, the traffic is normal inside the city (Noida), and the situation is normal," Anil Kumar Yadav, DCP (traffic), Noida Police, told PTI.
Delhi Airport Issues Advisory to Passengers
The Delhi Airport has issued an advisory to passengers flying from or to Delhi on Tuesday in light of the farmers' protest.
"Please be advised that due to the anticipated farmers' protest at different Delhi borders starting on 13.02.2024, there will be traffic diversions in effect. For commercial vehicles, traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented starting from 12.02.2024," the advisory reads.
'We Aim to Stop the Farmers Peacefully': Delhi Police
Delhi Eastern Range's Additional CP Sagar Singh Kalsi said that all measures are being taken to counter the farmers' protest peacefully.
"We have made very strict arrangements regarding the 'Delhi Chalo' march called by farmer organisations...Our aim is to stop the farmers peacefully and the common people do not face any inconvenience due to traffic…We are trying our best to deal with this situation peacefully," he told ANI.
'We Fully Support Farmers' Movement': Cong's Mallikarjun Kharge
Pledging support to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge took to X to say:
"Barbed wire, tear gas from drones, nails and guns… everything is arranged, The dictatorial Modi government is trying to curb the voice of farmers! Do you remember that he was defamed by calling himself “agitator” and “parasite” and had taken the lives of 750 farmers?"
"Now the time has come to raise the voice of 62 crore farmers. Today Congress Party will raise the voice of Kisan Nyay in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. We give full support to the farmers' movement. Will not be afraid, will not bow down!" he added.
'Concerns of Farmers Genuine': Delhi Govt Rejects Centre's Proposal to Turn Stadium Into Temporary Jail
Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has rejected the Centre's proposal to convert the Bawana Stadium into a temporary jail to hold the farmers.
The Aam Aadmi Party said that the farmers' concerns are "genuine" and that they have the right to protest peacefully, as does every citizen of the country.
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
'Need for Consultation, Inconvenience Should Not Be Caused to Public: Union Minister
Union Minister Arjun Munda, who was one of the Centre's representatives to have held discussions with protesting farmers on Monday, said, "There will be a need for consultation. We need to discuss this with the states... We need to prepare a forum for discussions and find a solution."
"The Govt of India is bound to protect the interests of the farmers...inconvenience should not be caused to the public. The farmers' union need to understand this," he told ANI.
Internet Shutdown in 3 Districts of Rajasthan's Bikaner
Internet shutdown has been ordered in Hanumangarh, Ganganagar, and Anupgarh of Rajasthan's Bikaner division amid the ongoing farmers' protest.
'Cong Equally Responsible as BJP for Farmers' Condition': Farmer Leader Sarwan Pandher
Dismissing claims by the Congress that they are supporting the protesting farmers, Punjab Kisaan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the Congress is as much to blame for the farmers' plight as the BJP.
"Congress Party does not support us. We consider them equally responsible as the BJP," he said while addressing the press on Tuesday.
Further, in light of the barricades installed to prevent farmers from marching to Delhi, Pandher said that it does not seem Punjab and Haryana are two states, but that there is an "international border" between them.
"Even today we are not saying that we will block roads. The government itself has blocked roads for the past two-three days," he added.
Lashing out at the Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government, Pandher said that the state had "turned into the Kashmir Valley".
Police Fire Tear Gas Shells Near Shambhu Border
The police dropped tear gas shells from drones to disperse protesting farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border while they were trying to head towards Delhi.
'Tractor Trolleys Not Allowed, Social Media Being Monitored': Delhi Police
Speaking on the measures taken to prevent unrest in the national capital, DCP Dwarka Ankit Singh told ANI, "Section 144 CrPC is imposed in the city, tractor trolleys are not allowed in the city. Social media monitoring has also been done. Drone is an effective tool for security monitoring, we will use it."
Farmers Detained at Shambhu Border: Report
The police reportedly detained a few farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as they were trying to break barricades and get across, news agency PTI reported, quoting sources.
Tear gas shells were also dropped from drones to disperse the farmers at the Shambhu border amid their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.
Punjab Congress Offers Free Legal Aid to Farmers
Amid the 'Delhi Chalo' protest, the Punjab Congress said that they would offer "free legal aid" to farmers. "We have launched a helpline number to provide free legal aid to farmers," Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring told ANI.
'We Welcome the Farmers, But Not on Tractors': Haryana Police
As farmers are moving towards Delhi, Ambala Range IG Sibash Kabiraj said that they will welcome the farmers as long as they don't come on tractors.
"We welcome the farmers coming from Punjab but if they travel on tractors it will create problems for the people. They can travel on buses, trains or on foot. If they come on tractors, we will not allow them. Section 144 has also been imposed," he told ANI.
'Will Support Protesting Farmers If Govt Creates Problems': Rakesh Tikait
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said that he would pledge support to the protesting farmers if the government creates any hurdles.
"MSP guarantee law and Swaminathan Committee report, Electricity amendment bill and debt waiver are the issues of the farmers across the country. There are several farmer unions and they have different issues...If the Govt creates a problem for these farmers who are marching towards Delhi, we are not far from them...We are in support of them," he told ANI.
'Strongly Condemn Assault on Farmers': Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday condemned the use of tear gas against protesting farmers during the 'Delhi Chalo' march.
"How can our country progress when the farmers are attacked with tear gas shells for fighting for their basic rights? I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our farmers by the BJP," she took to X to say.
"The Central Govt.'s failure to support farmers and labourers, coupled with futile PR stunts, exposes the illusion of 'Viksit Bharat.' Instead of suppressing their protest, BJP must focus on humbling their inflated egos, power-hungry ambitions, and inadequate governance that has harmed our nation. Remember, it's these farmers who sustain us all, including the high and mighty," the CM added.
Gates of Some Metro Stations To Be Closed: DMRC
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) put out a circular saying that the gates of a few stations may be closed due to security reasons amid the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march, adding, however, that the stations will remain operational.
The gates of Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Janpath, Khan Market and Lok Kalyan Marg will be closed, as per the DMRC.
Red Fort Shut for Visitors
The Red Fort in New Delhi has been shut for security reasons amid the ongoing farmers' protest, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said, as per ANI.
Police personnel on alert at Shanti Van near Red Fort in view of the farmers Delhi Chalo march.
Police personnel on alert at Red Fort in view of the farmers Delhi Chalo march.
Stones Pelted by Protesters: Haryana Police
A Haryana Police spokesperson said that stones were pelted at the police by protesters, in response to which the police resorted to the use of tear gas shells to quell the situation, PTI reported.
'Centre Wants To Suppress Farmers' Voices': Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the Centre was doing all it could to "suppress" the voices of protesting farmers.
"Using teargas, and placing nails and barricades (at the borders), everything is being done to prevent the farmers' march. The (central) government wants to suppress farmers' voices. These are the same people from (central) who promised to double the income of farmers, crop rate, and MSP implementation," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said while addressing the press.
Journalist Injured Amid Tensions at Shambhu Border
An injured journalist being assisted by protesters during the farmers Delhi Chalo march at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border near Patiala.
(Photo: PTI)
"Our reporter Satender Chauhan who was injured while reporting from the Shambhu Border, is doing fine. He has been treated at the local hospital and is on his way for a detailed examination," India Today wrote on X.
Police Accused of Using Force at Punjab Border
Police forces allegedly fired teas gas shells from drones and used water cannons filled with chilly powder at farmers who were protesting as part of the 'Dilli Chalo' march on Tuesday.
'Identify Areas To Protest': Punjab and Haryana High Court
"All parties in the present dispute should make efforts to sit down and solve the problem and area should be identified by states to protest," the Punjab and Haryana High Court observed on Tuesday, 13 February, while hearing pleas challenging the internet shutdown and "obtrusive actions" taken by the authorities in view of the farmers' 'Dilli Chalo' march.
The matter will be taken up next on 15 February, according to LiveLaw.
'Excessive Use of State Power': Farmers' Union to PM Modi
"We strongly protest the repression unleashed on farmers today at Punjab border, unleashing lathicharge, rubber bullet, and tear gas shelling, making many injured and want to be clear that the Kisan Movement in India is united and single minded and will resist any such act of authoritarianism and excessive use of state power," the Samyukta Kisan Morcha said in a letter address to Prime Minister Modi.
"Your govt and that of Haryana and UP led by the BJP have resorted to repressive measures on peaceful protests of farmers and inflict an atmosphere of terror on common farmers," the letter dated Tuesday, 13 February, read.
The prime minister is currently on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia after which he will travel to Qatar on Wednesday, according to PTI.
Instagram, Facebook Handles Blocked Upon Govt Request
The Instagram and Facebook handles of the Kisan Ekta Morcha have been suspended upon a legal request by the government.
In the run-up to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march on Tuesday, a swathe of X accounts affiliated to farmer unions and their leaders were also blocked in the country after a government request.
BKU's Rakesh Tikait Extends Support to Protest
"MSP guarantee law and Swaminathan Committee report, electricity amendment bill and debt waiver are the issues of the farmers across the country. There are several farmer unions and they have different issues. If the government creates a problem for these farmers who are marching towards Delhi, we are not far from them. We are in support of them," farmer leader and national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rakesh Tikait was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Congress Will Give Legal Guarantee of MSP: Rahul Gandhi
"Congress has decided to give legal guarantee of MSP (Minimum Support Price) to every farmer on crops as per Swaminathan Commission. This step will change the lives of 15 crore farmer families by ensuring their prosperity," party leader Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi on X on Tuesday, 13 February.
"This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice," he added.
Union Agriculture Minister on Farmers' Demands
"Regarding MSP, we have to see what kind of law they (farmers) are seeking, and what will be the pros and cons. We at the government see things in a positive way, but we can come to a conclusion after considering everyone's interest," Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Arjun Munda, who was part of the talks held in Chandigarh on Monday, told news agency PTI.
'Using Force Is Against Democratic Structure': SGPC
Condemning the use of police force to stop the farmers, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) urged the government to "immediately solve the problems of the farmers and not complicate the matter further by torturing them."
"The Haryana government's forcible action of police firing large number of tear gas shells on the farmers protesting for their demands and suppressing them by using force is against the democratic structure, about which the Centre government should think seriously," the statement by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami read.
'We Tried To Remind Govt but...': SKM Leader
"These are not any new demands, they are the commitments made by the governments. We tried to remind the government about them, but they did not show any seriousness. When we demand MSP law, their reaction is different; when we talk about loan waiver and Swaminathan report, they don't agree," Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was quoted as saying by PTI on Tuesday.
Farmers To Resume Protest March Today
Following an unsuccessful attempt to reach Delhi on Tuesday amid their 'Delhi Chalo' protest, farmers are going to resume their march on Wednesday and try to re-enter Delhi to press their demands regarding the MSP and other issues.
The farmers had declared a "ceasefire" and stopped for a night halt, promising that they would re-conduct their protest the following day.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened along all border areas leading to Delhi to prevent the farmers from marching forward.
Congress Will Give Legal Guarantee On MSP: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the party would give a legal guarantee on MSP to all farmers if the party is elected to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
"Farmer brothers, today is a historic day! Congress has decided to give legal guarantee of MSP to every farmer on crops as per Swaminathan Commission. This step will change the lives of 15 crore farmer families by ensuring their prosperity. This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice," he took to X to say.
Punjab Officials Object to Use of Drones By Haryana Cops in Their Territory
Punjab officials have raised an objection against the use of a drone in their territory by Haryana authorities to drop tear gas shells on protesting farmers.
Patiala Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmed Parray has written to his Ambala counterpart asking him not to use drones inside Punjab's territory at the Shambhu border, The Times of India reported.
'Urge Farmers To Not Indulge in Vandalism': Anurag Thakur
Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that the Centre needs time to reflect on the new demands of the farmers, and urged them not to indulge in vandalism or violence of any kind.
"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," Thakur told ANI.
"We are ready to continue the discussions. Most of their demands have been accepted but the new demands require more time. I urge the agitators to not indulge in vandalism, arson or violence. I request farmer leaders to come and have discussions," he added.
Tear Gas Used at Shambhu Border Again
Tear gas shells were used against farmers on Wednesday, 14 February, at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to prevent them from moving forward amid their 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.
Tear gas was used against farmers on Tuesday as well and several of them were detained by officials near the Shambhu border.
'Govt Should Initiate Talks Instead of Using Force': Mayawati
BSP chief and former Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati said that the Centre should begin discussions with farmers instead of taking action against them amid their 'Delhi Chalo' protest.
"The Centre should resolve their issue in a timely manner so that the farmers are not forced to protest again and again in support of their demands," she said, as per The Times of India.
'Not Here for Confrontation With Govt': Farmer Leader
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, while addressing the press near the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, said, "There is an attempt to make a perception about us. We have not come here for confrontation with the government."
Rahul Gandhi Speaks to Injured Farmer Over Call
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday spoke to one of the farmers on the phone who was injured amid police action at the Shambhu border amid the 'Delhi Chalo' protest.
During a visit to a Rajpura hospital, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring had arranged the call between Gandhi and the injured farmer, during which the former inquired about the injuries sustained by the latter.
Rahul Gandhi To Participate in Farmers' Protest in Delhi: Report
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly called off the second phase of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Jharkhand, which was supposed to begin on Wednesday, and will be going to Delhi to participate in the ongoing farmers' protest, news agency PTI reported.
'Farmers Adding to Problems': Union Minister
Union Minister Arjun Munda, who was one of the Centre's representatives to hold talks with farmer leaders on Monday, said that farmers are adding to existing problems.
"The way things are being said by (farmer) organisations and the way in which instead of solving the problems, they are trying to add to those problems, is creating difficulties for the people," he told ANI.
"I would request all the farmer organisations to take initiatives that can strengthen a way to solve the problem and to find a solution through dialogue, the government is completely ready for it," the minister added.
Singhu Border Shut for Traffic
The Singhu border has been shut for vehicles for the second consecutive day on Wednesday amid the farmers' protest.
BKU Ugrahan To Disrupt Railway Traffic Tomorrow
Farmer organisation BKU Ugrahan said that it will disrupt railway traffic on Thursday, 15 February from 12 noon to 4 PM to express solidarity with protesting farmers.
Haryana Home Minister Slams Cong Over Farmers' Protest
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij targeted the Congress over the farmers' protest, saying that the party did not implement laws with respect to the MSP when they were in power.
"The report on MSP came in 2004 when Congress was in power. Why didn't they do anything in 10 years?" he told ANI.
"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," he added.
Farmers Use Makeshift Arrangements Against Rubber Bullets, Tear Gas
Several farmers have been using makeshift arrangements to protect themselves from rubber bullets and tear gas shells. These include using shields made of road signs, applying wet packs, and multani mitti coating.
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
Farmers Agree To Hold Talks With Govt
SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that farmer leaders have agreed to hold talks with the Centre regarding their demands.
"It has come to us through media that Anurag Thakur has said that they are ready for talks and finding resolution to our issues. We do not want to leave any room for them to say that we did not accept their offer. We took permission from our friends, and now we will hold talks (with the government). Our priority is that talks are held in Chandigarh or anywhere near the protest site," he said, as per The Times of India.
More X Accounts Blocked Upon Govt Request
The X accounts of news outlet Gaon Savera (@GaonSavera) as well that of Punjab-based local journalist Sandeep Singh (@PunYaab) was reportedly withheld based on a legal request by the government in the midst of the ongoing farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest.
(Screenshot: X)
(Screenshot: X)
'Extremely Worrisome': SFLC on Blocking of Farmers' Handles
"We are seeing an uptick in content takedown and blocking of handles in anticipation of the farmers' protests. No platform provides any information on why this is being done citing Rule 16 confidentiality obligations. This black hole is continuously exploited by GoI (Government of India) to carefully curate information available to Indians," Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC) founder Mishi Choudhary said in a statement on Wednesday, 14 February.
"In an election year, such censorship without any transparency is extremely worrisome," she added.
'Stubbornness of Central Govt': Congress' Sachin Pilot
"Farmers are protesting due to the stubbornness of the central government, which has not been able to solve their issues," Congress leader Sachin Pilot was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Farmers are not getting reasonable prices for their crops and the Congress party will provide a legal guarantee for minimum support price if INDIA bloc comes to power after the Lok Sabha elections, Pilot reportedly added.
'Hypocrisy': Jairam Ramesh Condemns Centre
Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh slammed the government and called it a hypocrite for not implementing Swaminathan Committee report.
"When this government brought those three black laws for the farmers, questions arose as to what was the need. Those three laws would have privatised our agriculture sector... The Swaminathan Committee report said that the MSP should be 1.5 times the detailed cost of production. He gave the Bharat Ratna to MS Swaminathan and also Chaudhary Charan Singh, all this is a hypocrisy," Ramesh said.
Third Round of Talks Tomorrow
Third round of talks between farmers and government to take place on Thursday, 14 February, in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, protesters will continue agitation at Shambhu Border till then.
'Demands Are Same': Farmers' Protest Leader
“Our demands are same as per the ‘demand chart’ we presented earlier. No new demand has been added. After the failure of the last meeting, the government calling for a meeting again reflects that they have found some positive solution," was quoted as saying by news agency PTI ahead of the third meeting with Union ministers on Thursday, 15 February.