Farmers' Protest: Dilli Chalo March to Parliament
The heart of India is again gearing up for a massive event called Dilli Chalo march by farmers. This protest is not a walk; it is the struggle of farmers against their rights and better support from the government. Let's learn what this march is about, why it's happening, and how it affects everyone in Delhi.
What is Dilli Chalo March?
Dilli Chalo march is an organized movement of farmers from various states to walk to Delhi, the capital of India. This march is to raise attention over their demands, focusing specifically on a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. This year, the march is going to begin on December 6 from the Shambhu border in Punjab, covering a distance of about 235 kilometers. Farmers will walk daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and different groups will lead the march at different times.
Why Are Farmers Protesting?
Farmers have been raising their voices for many months now. Here are some key reasons behind their protest:
- Legal Guarantee for MSP: They are demanding a law that guarantees MSP to the farmer. This has been the demand from successive farm law protests, which were rolled back.
- Debt Waivers: They are also demanding waivers against debts as they are not able to repay.
- Pension: They are demanding pension benefits when they grow old, for both the farmers and farm workers.
- Justice for Victims: The farmers are also demanding justice for those affected by violence during past protests, particularly pointing to incidents like Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
- Compensation for Land Acquisition: Farmers want proper compensation for land taken from them during the years, especially in urban development projects.
How is Delhi Preparing?
As the farmers gear up for the march, Delhi has tightened security. Police barricades have been erected at main intersections and the strength of personnel at borders has been bolstered to handle potential flare-ups. Here's what to expect:
- Traffic Diversions: With thousands expected to take part in the protest, traffic snarls are expected in Delhi-NCR. Police have issued advisories asking residents to avoid certain routes during peak hours.
- Increased Police Presence: 5,000 police personnel will be deployed, including all the specialized units equipped with water cannons and crowd control measures.
- Public Safety Measures: Authorities have devised a three-tier security plan to safeguard the public while allowing farmers to voice their grievances peacefully.
Peaceful Protest
The leaders have assured that this is going to be a peaceful protest. The key leader of the movement, Sarwan Singh Pandher, assured everyone that despite some accusations of aggressive intent, their aim is simply to walk peacefully and voice demands. They hope that by walking together, they can draw attention to their plight and encourage dialogue with government officials.
The broader context
The current movements emphasize large issues within Indian agricultural policies. The movement is far more than a current demand by the farmers and depicts major concerns for the sustainability of the agriculture industry, its feasibility economically, and justice from society. While most Indians do share sympathy for farmers' interests, there are sections who see this movement as adversely impacting everyday life in Delhi:
Current News
The situation remains fluid as farmer groups continue to negotiate with government representatives. On December 6, farmer organizations from all states will join the march towards Delhi's state assemblies as part of a larger strategy to create awareness about their demands. Reports have also emerged of clashes between farmers and police in different areas as tensions over land acquisition issues have mounted.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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