Farmers Protest India: Security ramped up in Delhi, Punjab govt puts hospitals on alert

Thousands of farmers from India’s north are marching towards the capital to demand a legal guarantee on the minimum support price on all crops, among other demands like pension and debt waiver. The protest has turned violent as the police tried to stop them at the Punjab-Haryana border with tear gas and water cannons. The Punjab government has sounded an alert in hospitals near the border to treat the injured protesters. The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services in seven districts till February 15th. The farmers have vowed to continue their march to Delhi despite the heavy security and barricades.

Government tries to pacify the farmers with talks and assurances

The government has invited the farmers for talks and has assured them that their demands will be taken care of. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the government will form a committee to look into the 13 demands listed by the farm unions. He has also appealed to the farmers to maintain peace and harmony. The government has said that it is committed to the welfare of the farmers and has implemented several schemes and reforms for their benefit.

Farmers remain adamant and defiant, seek support from other states and parties

The farmers have rejected the government’s offer of talks and have said that they will not settle for anything less than a legal guarantee on the minimum support price. They have also accused the government of trying to divide and mislead them. The farmers have sought support from other states and parties to join their agitation. They have also announced that they will observe a nationwide strike on February 17th to press for their demands. The farmers have said that they are ready to face any consequences and will not give up their fight.