Image credits - Varsha Bharati
Tensions flared at the Shambhu border in Haryana today as clashes broke out between farmers and state police during the nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh, organized by various farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). The strike, aimed at highlighting farmers’ demands to the central government, has led to confrontations and disruptions in several parts of the country.
Background
The Bharat Bandh call comes amidst the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ protests, where hundreds of farmers from Haryana and Punjab have converged near the Haryana-Delhi border, approximately 200 kilometers away from the capital. The farmers, who have been met with resistance from Haryana security forces, are demanding resolution to key issues affecting their livelihoods.
Scheduled Protests
. As part of the protest, farmers are blocking major roads and highways across India from 12 pm to 4 pm, causing disruptions to transportation and other activities. In Punjab, a significant portion of state and national highways is expected to remain closed for at least four hours.
Impacted Sectors
The nationwide strike is anticipated to have widespread repercussions, affecting transportation, agricultural operations, activities related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), as well as private offices, village shops, and rural industrial establishments.
Farmers’ Demands
The protesting farmers have articulated a list of demands, including:
Guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops through legislation.
Strengthening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Restoration of the old pension scheme to ensure wider coverage.
Provision of pension and social security for all workers, irrespective of their formal or informal employment status.
Allocation of free 300 units of power for both agricultural and domestic usage.
Implementation of comprehensive crop insurance for better risk management.
Increase in existing pensions to ₹10,000 per month.
Conclusion
The clash at the Shambhu border and the disruptions caused by the Bharat Bandh highlights the deep-seated frustrations within the farming community and their ongoing struggle for agrarian reforms. As tensions remain high and protests continue to unfold across the nation, the outcome of this nationwide strike remains uncertain. The government’s response to the farmers’ demands will likely shape the path of future negotiations and the resolution of the ongoing standoff.
