On the Punjab-Haryana border, farmers persist in their ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest, marking the fifth day of agitation. Union ministers Arjun Munda, Nityanand Rai, and Piyush Goyal plan the fourth round of talks with farmer leaders on Sunday. The previous rounds on February 8, 12, and 15 remained inconclusive.
The protestors present a list of 13 demands, with the primary focus on a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP). While the government asserts agreement on 10 demands, the MSP remains a major point of contention. The farmers seek to stage demonstrations in Delhi but face opposition from the Haryana Police at the Punjab-Haryana borders.
Over 200 farmer groups participate in the protest, distinct from those leading the 2020-21 protests against the central farm laws. These groups consider joining if the government continues suppressing those marching to Delhi. The Sanyukta Kisan Morcha and CITU in Tripura condemn the alleged security crackdown on protesting farmers at various border points.
Protests in Tripura against tear gas shelling and caning of farmers echo the nationwide sentiment. Meanwhile, disruptions caused by the ongoing protests raise concerns of a potential rise in vegetable prices in Delhi. A trader at Ghazipur Mandi notes a ₹4 increase in carrot prices in the last 15 days due to supply issues from Punjab. Further disruptions may lead to price hikes for other vegetables.
The trader emphasizes the urgency of resolving the issue between farmers and the government for the sake of stable vegetable prices. The ongoing protests not only reflect a clash of interests between farmers and the government but also ripple effects in the form of disrupted supply chains and potential economic repercussions. The situation remains tense, with negotiations ongoing and the future of the protests and their impact on various aspects of daily life hanging in the balance.
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