Farmers marching toward Delhi under the ‘Dilli Chalo’ campaign were met with tear gas and heavy police barricades at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab on Friday. The march was organized to demand a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), waiver of farm loan debts, and protection against rising electricity tariffs.
Visuals from the protest site showed farmers engulfed in tear gas as they tried to dismantle metal barricades laced with barbed wire. Protesters chanted slogans and waved flags, with some helping an elderly farmer overcome by the gas. Farmers managed to breach initial layers of barricades but were halted by police reinforcements.
To prevent the march, authorities suspended mobile internet and bulk messaging in Ambala district and imposed Section 144, banning gatherings of more than five people. Schools in the region were also shut down.
Police stopped farmers trying to march to Delhi at Shambhu border. Tear gas shells were fired on unarmed farmers.
Farmers have been protesting for the last 298 days demanding a law on #MSP.#FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/Agwn5SkYT5— Akki Sehra (@Akkisehra) December 6, 2024
Government’s Assurance vs Farmer Demands
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing Parliament earlier, assured that the government is committed to MSP procurement and highlighted ongoing purchases of crops like wheat and paddy at prices 50 percent above production costs.
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However, farmers argue that the lack of legal backing for MSP makes them vulnerable. Without legislation, there is no obligation for the government to procure crops, leaving many reliant on market forces that often fail to ensure fair prices, especially during bumper harvests.
Political Undertones
The protests have gained political traction, with opposition leaders rallying behind the farmers’ demands. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla accused the government of reneging on its promises, while Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently questioned the government’s delay in fulfilling MSP-related assurances.
Farmers have consistently demanded MSP guarantees since the nationwide protests began in September 2020, opposing farm laws that were later repealed. Today’s march reflects continued frustration with unmet promises and deep mistrust of the government’s intentions.
As protests intensify, the situation poses a critical challenge for the government, which must balance farmers’ demands with broader economic and administrative concerns. The outcome of this standoff could significantly influence the political and agricultural landscape.
The farmers’ march is expected to continue, with Delhi bracing for disruptions as protesters push forward despite mounting resistance.
