Farmers who were attempting to make their way into Delhi via Ambala have encountered obstruction at the Shambhu border, resulting in confrontations over the past two days. This resurgence in farmer activism revolves around their demand for legislation ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce.
The 'Delhi Chalo' initiative, initiated on February 13 from Punjab, faced significant resistance due to robust security arrangements and stringent measures implemented across the borders of Punjab and Haryana. Anticipating such obstacles, farmer groups have mentally prepared themselves for a prolonged struggle akin to their endeavors in 2020-21.
At the Shambhu border, farmers striving to enter Delhi have been halted, leading to clashes resulting in injuries among both protesters and security personnel attempting to restrain them forcibly.
Simultaneously, a new front has emerged at the Khanauri border, linking Punjab's Patiala district with Haryana's Jind. Reports from India Today detail a sizable clash between farmers and security forces at this location, where farmers attempted to breach the formidable security arrangements. However, the authorities' preparedness effectively thwarted every attempt made by the farmers to breach the security cordon. The situation at the Khanauri border mirrors that of the Shambhu border.
A convoy of farmers, stretching over a kilometer long and accompanied by tractors and trucks laden with supplies, underscores their determination for a sustained protest, evidencing their readiness for an extended standoff to reach the national capital.
While discussions between farmers and government representatives unfold, a sense of tranquility prevails at the Khanauri border. Farmers have organized their makeshift campsite, ensuring cleanliness and sustenance through food supplies procured from Patiala and Sangrur. The Dallewal faction of the farmers' union has mobilized its supporters to bolster the gathering at the Khanauri border.
Undeterred in their resolve to march into Delhi, protesting farmers demand legislation on MSP and assert their readiness to sustain their protest for up to six months.
Local jathedar Rajinder Singh Sirsa affirmed to India Today, "We do not seek conflict with the government, but MSP is our lawful entitlement, compelling us to reach Delhi. Whatever it takes, we will forge ahead, hence we carry rations, food, and supplies sufficient for six months. In times of crisis, we have our reserves back home."
On February 15, several women's groups from districts including Patiala, Jalandhar, Sangrur, and Mansa were witnessed joining the protest at the Khanauri border, supporting the male counterparts camped at the Hori border. These women contribute to food preparation and langar services, enhancing the solidarity of the protesting farmers.
A significant police presence, including Punjab Police commandos, monitors the farmers' convoy at the border within Punjab's territory. While Punjab's law enforcement refrains from confronting security forces at the Haryana border, they refrain from impeding the farmers' advance.
The Punjab government has deployed a fleet of ambulances to transport injured farmers to nearby hospitals amid clashes and confrontations.
Mobile hospital units housed within ambulances are stationed at border areas to cater to the medical needs of ailing farmers and address emergencies, including injuries sustained during altercations with security forces.
The border regions have plunged into darkness, devoid of electricity and internet connectivity. Farmers' access to social and digital media platforms is restricted due to the absence of mobile internet, rendering nights challenging in the absence of electricity. Consequently, young farmers and their families have resorted to altering electricity poles on the national highway, utilizing local tools to establish power connections.
To counter surveillance drones employed by security forces, young farmers have resorted to flying kites in the confrontation zone. However, following objections from Punjab's local administration to their Haryana counterparts, drones were conspicuously absent on February 15.
Expressing their intent to escalate their protest if negotiations yield no results, young farmers contemplate deploying heavy machinery such as JCBs to dismantle multi-layered security barricades at the Haryana border.
Gurpreet Maan, a local farmer, emphasizes, "We await a positive outcome, but if the government fails to meet our demands, we will not hesitate to employ JCBs to dismantle the concrete structures erected by the Haryana government. We are not adversaries of our jawans; they are our brethren. In the spirit of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,' we stand united. However, the government's utilization of security forces to impede our progress has led to injuries among our ranks."
With unwavering determination, farmers persist in their quest to reach the national capital, prepared for a protracted struggle.
