Who are the protesting Farmers Protes ?
- Over 250 farmers’ unions are involved, under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) banners.
- This group differs from the 2020 protestors, with leaders like Jagjit Singh Dallewal (BKU Sidhupur) and Sarwan Singh Pandher (KMSC).
Why are they protesting?
- Their primary demand is a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, based on the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Commission’s report.
- Other demands include:
- Full debt waiver for farmers and laborers.
- Implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 with fair compensation.
- Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri killings.
- Withdrawal from WTO and freeze on free trade agreements.
- Pensions for farmers and farm laborers.
- Compensation for deceased protestors and job for one family member.
- Scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.
- Improved MGNREGA scheme with higher wages and linkage to farming.
- Stricter regulations on seed, pesticide, and fertilizer quality.
- National commission for key spices.
How are neighboring states responding?
- Haryana: Sealed borders with Punjab, erected barricades, and imposed internet shutdowns in some districts.
- Rajasthan: Sealed borders with Punjab and Haryana, declared prohibitory orders in key districts.
- Delhi: Banned public meetings, entry of tractors/trolleys, and potential weapons for a month. Increased security checks at entry points.