The beginning of farmers' protest
The farmers' protest "Delhi Chalo" began on February 13, 2024. They are protesting, demanding the Central government to bring about a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.
What is minimum support price?
MSP ensures farmers get a set price when the government purchases their crops. It's determined by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), considering factors like production costs, demand, supply and market prices.
Dilli Chalo 2.0
Dilli Chalo 2.0: On February 13, farmers from various groups, like Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, started a march towards the capital city to push for their demands to be met.
The organisations
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a group of farmers from more than 150 organizations, and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, supported by 100 more unions, are leading the 'Delhi Chalo' march. Jagjit Singh Dallewal from BKU (Dallewal) and Sarvan Singh Pandher from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are among the leaders of the protests.
Collateral damage
Tear gas, barricades and more
Thousands of farmers, along with their tractors, attempted to reach the capital city, but the police blocked the borders with barricades. Tear gas and water cannons were used to scatter the farmers. Cement boulders, barbed wire, and metal blocks were set up as barricades. Section 144 was enforced to prohibit gatherings of more than three people.
Farmers who died while protesting
Subhkaran Singh from Punjab's Baloke village died in a clash between security forces and protesting farmers at Khanauri border. Darshan Singh passed away due to a cardiac arrest. Gyan Singh from Gurdaspur, Manjeet Singh and Narendra Pal Singh also died amidst the protests.
Meetings and offer
There have been four meetings between the government and farmers, but no solid decisions have been made. In the latest meeting on February 18, the government proposed to buy five crops at MSP for five years, but the farmers declined the offer.