THE NEWS FREEDOM
AMBALA, FEBRUARY 14
The border areas of Haryana adjacent to Punjab and Delhi remain fraught with tension as ten farmers reportedly sustained injuries at the Shambu border on Wednesday. The clash ensued after police used tear gas shells to disperse protesting farmers who had gathered at the borders, embarking on a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march to assert their demands. However, amidst the unrest, farmers have agreed to resume talks with the Central government.
Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai, along with leaders from various farmer unions, are scheduled to meet in Chandigarh on February 15th for talks. The protesters have been advocating for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for 23 crops, debt waivers, and the withdrawal of cases lodged against them during the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation.
In addition to the ongoing tensions, internet services have been suspended until February 16 in select areas under specific police stations across Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab as per directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
India’s Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda sought understanding from farmer unions on Wednesday, urging them to prioritize dialogue and avoid disruptive actions. Talking to the media in the morning, he cautioned against hasty decisions that could face future criticism and emphasized the need for solutions that don’t inconvenience the public.
“We need to discuss this comprehensively, keeping all aspects in mind,” Munda said, addressing concerns surrounding the ongoing farmer protests. “I urge the unions to maintain a conducive atmosphere for dialogue.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and willingness to hold constructive talks, but stressed the importance of ensuring normalcy for citizens. “Disrupting daily life creates hurdles in finding solutions,” he added.
Munda also cautioned against political influence on the protests, stating, “The government is committed to farmers’ welfare, and I urge the unions not to be swayed by politics.”
Clarifying the farmers’ stance, Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, emphasized during a media address that their agenda does not include breaking barricades or engaging in confrontations with law enforcement. He reiterated the farmers’ democratic right to have their genuine demands acknowledged or to be permitted to proceed to Delhi for peaceful protest.
Amidst the persistent demonstrations, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda cautioned against hastily enacting a law to guarantee MSP without consulting all stakeholders. He urged protesting farmers to engage in structured discussions with the government, while also warning them to remain vigilant against elements seeking to exploit their movement for political gain.
Punjab’s Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, on Wednesday, said that the state government stands firmly with protesting farmers, affirming its commitment to cover all medical expenses for injured individuals amidst the ongoing demonstrations. Dr. Balbir Singh conducted a rapid assessment of various government health facilities near the Haryana border to assess the condition of farmers, journalists, and police personnel injured during the recent police intervention aimed at deterring farmers from entering the state.
Noting that 40 injured individuals, including two with serious head injuries, were admitted to Civil Hospital Rajpura, he reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to providing free medical assistance to those injured during the protests. Dr. Balbir Singh condemned the Haryana government’s actions, labeling them as unconstitutional and illegal, stating that the farmers were peacefully exercising their right to protest as they traveled towards Delhi.
In a press release issued in the evening, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan voiced concern about the use of force against farmers, expressing it as a potential violation of fundamental rights. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and understanding the legitimate concerns of the farming community. He urged authorities to engage in constructive and respectful discussions to find solutions.