A triad of Union ministers is slated to convene once more today, February 15, for a discussion with farmer leaders regarding their assorted demands. This marks the third round of talks between the two parties, following inconclusive dialogues on February 8 and 12.
Below are 10 important points to take note of:
- Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai will engage with farmer leaders at 5 pm, focusing on demands such as a law ensuring Minimum Support Price for crops.
- Hundreds of farmers continue to encamp at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders as part of their ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest.
- The farmer leaders have announced a halt on their march towards the national capital until the scheduled meeting, indicating that their next course of action hinges on the proposals put forth by the Centre.
- Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) have declared a ‘rail roko’ in Punjab today. Farmers will stage sit-ins on railway tracks at seven locations from 12 noon to 4 pm.
- This decision follows protests against the use of tear gas shells and water cannons by Haryana security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has also planned demonstrations at toll plazas from 11 am to 2 pm.
- The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha lead the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, pressing for demands such as MSP legislation, loan waivers, and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations.
- Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, engaged in negotiations with farmer leaders, urges cooperation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to finding solutions through dialogue to alleviate the hardships faced by the public.
- Considering the impending Class 10 and 12 board exams and the ongoing situation at the Delhi borders, the CBSE has advised students to reach exam centers well in advance to avoid traffic congestion.
- On Wednesday, Sarwan Singh Pandher appealed to the government to cease using tear gas and adopt a more conciliatory approach. Some young farmers engaged in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march attempted to counter a drone deployed by Haryana security personnel by flying kites.
- A collective statement by public intellectuals and artists on Wednesday expressed support for the joint call by workers and farmers for a sectoral industrial strike and Grameen Bharat Bandh on February 16. The Gramin Bandh is scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm on February 16, accompanied by massive chakka jams on main roads nationwide from 12 pm to 4 pm on Friday, as reported by Indian Express. Numerous state and national highways in Punjab will be closed for four hours on Friday.