Farmers marching toward Delhi call for “ceasefire” for now, plan to try again tomorrow after clashes with police.

The recent events in Delhi and its neighbouring states have brought back memories of the 2020-21 farmer protests, as thousands of farmers attempted to make their way to the national capital. These attempts led to confrontations with the police at various state borders.

In Haryana, the police employed various measures to prevent the farmers from entering the state, including drones carrying tear gas canisters, water cannons, cement barriers, sandbags, and tyre deflators. The farmers have expressed their determination for a prolonged protest, stating that they are equipped with six months’ worth of supplies and fuel.

Their resolve stems from their previous 13-month-long protest, during which they feel that their demands were not met despite assurances from the government. They have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are fulfilled.

Following the inconclusive meeting with Union ministers, the farmers initiated the “Delhi Chalo” march as a last resort. They claim that the government has not honored promises made in writing two years ago, particularly regarding a law guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, farm loan waivers, and the implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations.

These issues remain unresolved after the recent talks. The farmers accuse the government of stalling and lacking genuine intent to address their demands.

The situation in Delhi has escalated, with security measures such as prohibitory orders, concrete roadblocks, and restrictions on vehicle movement enforced at the border. Disagreements have arisen between the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal government regarding the provision of a “holding area” for the protesting farmers within Delhi.

The deployment of prohibitory orders for a month and additional restrictions on border crossings reflect the tense atmosphere in the region.