Reports indicate that the central government led by the BJP has dispatched three Union leaders to Chandigarh in an attempt to engage in discussions with the protesters, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing demonstrations.
Notably, Punjab is ruled by the Aam Aadmi Party, which supported the farmer protests in 2020. However, Bhagwant Mann-led government aims to resolve the situation ahead of the 2024 General elections.
Local authorities have cautioned farmers against participating in an upcoming planned march to Delhi without proper permission, emphasising strict consequences for any harm to public property.
Notices have been issued to various farmer organisations preparing for the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation on February 13, advocating for demands such as a legal assurance for the minimum support price (MSP) and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.
As of now, none of the farmer organisations has sought permission for the protest, according to Ambala SP Jashandeep Singh Randhawa.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had previously announced the farmers' intent to march to Delhi on February 13, urging the government to address their demands. Over 200 farmers' unions nationwide are expected to participate in the 'Delhi Chalo' march.
Randhawa warned that legal action would be taken against individuals participating in the protest without permission, and strict measures would be applied if public property is damaged, citing the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Compensation for government property losses would involve seizing the protesters' assets and freezing their bank accounts.
Farmers have also been advised not to rent out their vehicles, as these may be impounded, and registrations cancelled. Police preparations, including the placement of concrete blocks, barbed wire, sandbags, and barricades at the Shambhu border in Ambala, have been made to prevent protesters from advancing towards Delhi.
The Ambala Police officials have assessed the arrangements at the Shambhu toll plaza near the Haryana-Punjab border. Alongside the demand for MSP assurance, farmers are seeking the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and labourers, farm debt forgiveness, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
It is noteworthy that in 2020, a significant number of farmers from Punjab and nearby areas congregated at the Shambhu border, breaking police barriers to march towards Delhi. The year-long protest against the now-repealed farm laws took place at Delhi's border points, namely Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur, primarily involving farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
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