India Farmers’Proest: In a bid to control the swelling crowd of protesters, Haryana police have resorted to firing tear gas shells at farmers participating in the “Dilli Chalo” march. The march, aimed at pushing for agrarian reforms, saw a significant turnout with at least 101 farmers from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) groups taking part.
The farmers are rallying for several key demands:
- Legal MSP Guarantee: A statutory assurance for Minimum Support Price for their crops.
- Farm Debt Waiver: Complete remission of the debts accumulated by farmers.
- Pension for Farmers and Farm Labourers: A retirement benefit scheme for those working in the agricultural sector.
- No Hike in Electricity Tariff: Opposition to any increase in electricity costs which directly impacts farming expenses.
- Withdrawal of Police Cases: Demanding the dismissal of legal actions taken against farmers during previous protests.
- Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri Victims: Seeking justice for those affected by the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri incident where several farmers were killed.
The deployment of tear gas comes amid heightened tensions, with protesters and security forces clashing at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana. The farmers have vowed to continue their march until their demands are met, highlighting the urgency and severity of their plight.
