“Day 2 of Farmers’ Protest Sees Major Traffic Congestion at Delhi Borders”
Farmers who have been protesting are set to continue their march towards Delhi after a night’s rest. They will endeavor once again to advance against significant security measures in order to reach the capital, carrying with them a list of their essential demands.
Last night, the protesting farmers announced a halt in their activities and expressed intentions to resume their efforts today. Strict orders have been imposed to restrict movement, and a substantial security presence is in place amid concerns that the farmers may attempt to breach the barricades once more.
On Tuesday, reminiscent scenes from the 2020-21 protests resurfaced as tear gas and water cannons were deployed to deter farmers from crossing the Punjab-Haryana border. The protests from three years ago, lasting 13 months, had effectively blockaded the Delhi borders.
The farmers claim they’re ready for the extended duration, equipped with sufficient diesel to reach Delhi and provisions to sustain them for six months. According to one farmer speaking to NDTV, they’re determined not to retreat until their demands are fulfilled, regardless of how long it may take, possibly spanning months.
Farmers are currently engaged in protests, primarily focused on a set of demands. While the government has agreed to the majority of their requests, three crucial ones remain unaddressed: legislation concerning Minimum Support Price (MSP), forgiveness of farm loans, and the execution of the Swaminathan Commission’s suggestions.
Yesterday, the government urged further discussions to break the stalemate, yet farmers contend that these discussions are futile and that the government has no intention of fulfilling their demands.
Yesterday, Union Minister Anurag Thakur remarked that negotiations are prolonged due to the introduction of fresh demands by the farmers. He appealed to them to refrain from resorting to violence and setting fires, while also extending an invitation for another round of discussions.
Delhi has been heavily secured by the police, implementing barricades made of concrete blocks and deploying tyre deflators at border points. However, the initial focus was on fortifying the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, where significant activity took place yesterday.
Once more, there is disagreement between the Central government and the Delhi administration regarding the ongoing farmers’ protest. The proposal from the Centre to transform a stadium into a “holding area” for potential confinement of protestors if they enter the city has been rejected by the Arvind Kejriwal-led government.
For one month, public gatherings are prohibited throughout Delhi, and there are restrictions on vehicle movement at the borders. Police are inspecting all vehicles to facilitate the entry of protesters into the city.
Yesterday, a plethora of diversions at border points linking Delhi to its surrounding satellite towns caused significant traffic congestion, resulting in a nightmarish commute for many office workers who found themselves stranded for hours.
