Today (March 6) is the 23rd day of Farmers' Protest 2. Thousands of farmers from Punjab-Haryana are protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri border. Meanwhile, on the call of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Majdoor Morcha, farmers from across the country will march to Delhi on foot, by bus and trains.
However, the farmers who are already protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri border will not go to Delhi and continue their protest at the Punjab-Haryana Border. On the other hand, after the announcement of farmers protesting on the border itself, Hisar-Ambala-Chandigarh Highway (152) has also started opening. Earlier on Monday, the Chandigarh-Delhi Highway (National Highway-44) was opened by the administration near Saddopur in Ambala.
One lane each on both sides of the highway has been opened. This decision provided much needed relief to the drivers as the drivers going from Ambala to Chandigarh, Chandigarh to Hisar or Chandigarh to Delhi had to travel through diverted routes.
Trains to be stopped on March 10:
Earlier on March 3, during the Antim Ardas (last rites) of Shubhakaran Singh in Bathinda, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that trains will be stopped across the country from 12 noon to 4 pm on March 10.
On the other hand, United Kisan Morcha (SKM) has given the outline of the Mahapanchayat to be held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on March 14. It has been named Kisan-Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. In this, farmers from across the country will leave tractor-trolleys and go by buses, trains and other means. The farmers will reportedly return home directly after the Mahapanchayat. International Women's Day will be celebrated with women farmers' organizations on March 8.
Farmers are adamant on their demands including MSP and again prepare to march to Delhi today. Their various demands from the central government include legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm loan waiver and no increase in electricity rates, etc.
Seeing the demonstration, Delhi Police has also become alert. The borders are being guarded by soldiers. Additional companies of police forces have been deployed at various places. The farmers however say that their protest will be peaceful.