Farmers’ Tractor March in Protest Reaches Delhi Borders

Farmers affiliated with the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Tikait and BKU Lokshakti initiated a tractor march to Delhi, causing traffic disruptions at various points. The march, led by BKU Tikait leader Rakesh Tikait, aims to draw attention to the demands of farmers and reinforce their stance against the government. The protest, named the ‘Tractor Chain,’ involves parking tractors on highways, particularly those leading to Delhi.

Rakesh Tikait stated that the unique form of protest was chosen to ensure that the Narendra Modi government listens to farmers and acknowledges their concerns. He emphasized the open invitation for dialogue with the government, highlighting the need for ongoing conversations regarding farmers’ demands.

The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is orchestrated by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, with the objective of pressuring the central government to meet farmers’ demands. These demands include a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) of crops and a waiver of farm loans. Farmers have been stationed at Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13, resuming their protest after a brief hiatus.

The Delhi Police and Gautam Buddh Nagar Police have intensified security checks at border points between Delhi and Noida, anticipating traffic disruptions due to the tractor march. The farmers intend to continue their protest at the border points until February 29, deciding the next course of action thereafter.