Farmers Extend Protest at Shambhu and Khanauri Borders, Plan Future Actions

Farmers agitating for higher crop prices have decided to continue their protest at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders until February 29, when the next course of action will be determined. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), announced the decision. The ongoing “Delhi Chalo” march faced opposition from security forces, with thousands of farmers camped at the two interstate border points. A candle march, seminars, effigy burnings, and meetings are planned for the coming days as part of the protest. The death of a farmer during clashes with security forces intensified the agitation, prompting farmer unions to join the movement.

Key Developments:

A candle march is scheduled for February 24, seminars on farmers’ issues on February 25, and effigy burnings on February 26. Meetings of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha will take place over the next two days.
Effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers were burned by protesters as they sought to expand their agitation. Black flags were hoisted on tractors, and protesters displayed solidarity by tying black cloth on their turbans.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced compensation of ₹1 crore and a government job for the sister of deceased farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who died during clashes at the Khanauri border. The cremation is on hold until a case is registered against those responsible.
A plea was submitted to the Supreme Court urging the Indian government to address farmers’ reasonable demands, halt violence, and implement the Swaminathan committee’s recommendations. The plea also called for unblocking social media accounts and registering FIRs against actions hindering peaceful protests.
Haryana Police withdrew its decision to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against some farmer leaders.
A 62-year-old farmer, Darshan Singh, died of a heart attack during the protests at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border. The ongoing protests have witnessed multiple deaths, including those from heart attacks and clashes with police.
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar presented a ₹1.89-lakh-crore budget for 2024-25, announcing a waiver of interest and penalty on certain crop loans. The budget did not include tax hikes, and Khattar emphasized his government’s steps for farmer welfare.
Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), a farm loan waiver, Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations implementation, pension for farmers, no electricity tariff hike, withdrawal of police cases, justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims, Land Acquisition Act reinstatement, and compensation for families of deceased farmers from previous agitations.