Protesting farmers from Punjab are stationed near various locations along the boundary with Haryana. Despite ongoing demonstrations, discussions between farmer representatives and Union Ministers are scheduled for February 15, aiming to address the farmers’ demands.
Scheduled Talks and Farmer’s Expectations
- Date and Participants: The meeting is set for February 15 in Chandigarh, with Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai.
- Farmer’s Perspective: Farmer leaders emphasize the necessity of a conducive atmosphere for fruitful discussions. They demand a positive response from the government to their grievances.
Previous Meetings and Unresolved Demands
- Inconclusive Meetings: Earlier discussions between farmer leaders and the Centre failed to reach resolutions.
- Key Demands: Farmers are advocating for legal assurance of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) among other demands.
Ongoing Farmer Actions and State Response
- ‘Delhi Chalo’ March: Farmers initiated a ‘tractor-trolley’ march towards Delhi to assert their demands.
- Interception by Haryana: Haryana authorities prevented farmers from entering their territory, leading to a standoff at the state boundary.
- Security Measures: Haryana authorities have imposed Section 144 in 15 districts and deployed significant security forces to manage the situation.
Healthcare Preparedness and Political Reactions
- Healthcare Alert: Punjab hospitals near the Haryana border are on high alert to manage any emergencies arising from the protests.
- Political Statements:
- Punjab Minister’s Condemnation: Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh condemned Haryana’s actions against peaceful protesters and urged the government to allow farmers to voice their concerns in Delhi.
- Haryana’s Response: Haryana’s Home Minister criticized the Punjab government for allegedly facilitating the farmers’ march to Delhi.
Further Support and Actions
- Expanded Protests: Additional farmer unions and groups are joining the protests and announcing further actions to demonstrate solidarity.
- Planned Actions: Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) plans to block rail traffic at seven locations in Punjab, while the Punjab chapter of the Samkyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) will make toll plazas free for a specified duration.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When are the next talks between farmer representatives and Union Ministers scheduled?
- A) February 14
- B) February 15
- C) February 16
- D) February 17
- Answer: B) February 15
- What is the primary demand of the protesting farmers?
- A) Legal assurance of the Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- B) Increase in agricultural subsidies
- C) Removal of agricultural taxes
- D) Employment opportunities in urban areas
- Answer: A) Legal assurance of the Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- What action did Haryana authorities take to prevent farmers from entering their territory?
- A) Erecting multi-layer barricades
- B) Providing humanitarian aid
- C) Offering negotiation talks
- D) Issuing travel permits
- Answer: A) Erecting multi-layer barricades
- How did Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh respond to the situation?
- A) Praised Haryana’s handling of the protests
- B) Urged Haryana to maintain security measures
- C) Condemned Haryana’s actions and advocated for peaceful protests
- D) Criticized the farmers for causing disruption
- Answer: C) Condemned Haryana’s actions and advocated for peaceful protests