The call for the march to the national capital has been given by more than 200 farmers’ unions over the lingering issue of a remunerative price for their agricultural produce.
This follows a sit-in demonstration on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway by farmers from Uttar Pradesh as the police blocked their protest march to Delhi, resulting in massive traffic chaos.
What farmers are saying
SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said farmers were forced to move towards Delhi as their demands were not accepted by the Centre. “We are ready for talks and will never run away from dialogue.”
He said the government had promised a legal guarantee on MPS and the withdrawal of cases registered against protesters during the stir against the now-repealed farm laws.
What Centre says
Amid measures by the authorities in Haryana and Delhi to prevent the farmers from entering the national capital, the Centre has invited them to hold a meeting today to discuss their demands.
The protesting farmers — from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and UP — are likely to sit Delhi borders till their demands are met.
Is Delhi ready?
Prohibitory orders banning large gatherings were imposed in the North-East Delhi district on Sunday in view of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.
“No one will be allowed to breach law and order situation,” said North-East Delhi DCP Joy Tirkey.
Eyes on Haryana
Haryana authorities have sealed the state’s border with Punjab, placing concrete blocks, sandbags, barbed wire and anti-riot vehicles on the road.
Police also held meetings with sarpanch of villages and khap panchayats, asking them not to participate in the march.