Farmers’ Talks with Centre remains inconclusive; ‘Delhi Chalo’ march set to commence amidst heavy security

The six-hour-long talks between farmer leaders and Union ministers in Chandigarh concluded without a resolution, prompting farmers to proceed with their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march starting at 10 am. 

Despite discussions on repealing the Electricity Act, 2020, compensation for farmers affected by the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and withdrawing cases against protesters, no agreement was reached on crucial issues like the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee law and farm loan waiver.

The farmer leaders accused the government of insincerity and emphasized their commitment to pressing demands, including MSP legislation. Tractor-trolleys set out from different parts of Punjab towards Delhi, prompting massive police deployment and barricading in the national capital at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders.

While an agreement was reached to withdraw cases against farmers, the talks ended before addressing key demands. 

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, representing over 200 farmer unions, are leading the march to Delhi. The Haryana government fortified its borders, imposing restrictions on gatherings in 15 districts.

Union ministers, including Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda, engaged in the second round of talks, expressing hope for a resolution. However, the absence of clarity on the MSP guarantee law remains a point of contention. 

Farmers’ leader Dallewal criticized detentions of supporters from other states, questioning the sincerity of dialogues amid such actions. As the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march unfolds, security measures intensify to prevent a rerun of the 2020 protests.

Key Points to be Noted:

1. Talks inconclusive; ‘Delhi Chalo’ march begins at 10 am.

2. Issues discussed include repealing Electricity Act, 2020, compensating Lakhimpur Kheri victims, and withdrawing cases.

3. No resolution on the MSP guarantee law, farm loan waiver, and Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.

4. Massive police deployment and barricading in Delhi to seal Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders.

5. Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha lead the march with over 200 farmer unions.

6. Haryana fortifies borders, imposes restrictions on gatherings in 15 districts.

7. Detentions of farmers from other states criticized; questions raised about sincerity in dialogues.

8. Security intensifies to prevent a repeat of 2020 protests; barbed wire, barricades, and Section 144 imposed.

9. Government proposes committee formation to address remaining issues; farmers emphasize MSP guarantee law.