Shubhkaran Singh, a farmer, is said to have perished on Wednesday in Khanauri, near the Punjab-Haryana border, in an explosion involving tear gas shells. Numerous additional farmers suffered injuries.
After being prevented from continuing their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march to Delhi by the Haryana police, thousands of farmers have set up camp near Khanauri and Shambhu. They have defied intimidation, water cannons, rubber bullets, tear gas attacks, and other oppressive tactics. Additionally, the government has launched a disinformation campaign against the farmers and anyone who supports them. Following the young farmer’s passing, the farmers have subsided their anger for the past two days.
Source: Moneycontrol
Both parties need to work harder to break the impasse over the farmers’ demands, which include a legal guarantee for procurement at the minimum support price, in light of the unfortunate tragedy. The administration and the farmers have held four rounds of negotiations, but no agreements have been reached.
The government offered to implement MSP for cash crops and buy pulses (tur, urad, and masoor), maize, and cotton crops at the MSP for a five-year period, but the farmers have rejected the offer. They made the decision to keep up the agitation, and as a result, a confrontational situation has emerged. Twelve members of the Haryana police force are reportedly hurt in the clashes.
A fifth round of negotiations has been extended to the farmers by the administration. To keep things under control and create an environment that is favourable for a productive conversation, both the farmers and the government should show restraint. ‘Committed to fulfilling every resolution pertaining to farmers’ welfare’ was the statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
Source: Wion
The wellbeing of the farming community is a constant theme of the Prime Minister’s speech. However, the government is employing pressure and force to prevent the farmers from even trying to hold their democratic protests. Even though it was ultimately withdrawn, the Haryana police used the National Security Act (NSA) against the farmers. Using force or intimidating someone would just exacerbate tension and disagreement and may result in additional unfortunate events.
At a conference with over 100 farm union representatives from around the nation, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) resolved to mark Friday as a “black day.” A tractor march to Delhi on February 26 and other protest events, including a one-day action in Delhi on March 16, have also been announced. Escalation will simply exacerbate the problem and increase the difficulty of finding a solution. Protests must be permitted by the government as long as they are nonviolent.The farmers need to understand that in order to engage in democratic protests and negotiations, concessions are required. It is imperative that both parties communicate and behave in a way that fosters mutual trust.
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