Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader and national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait on Monday alleged that farmers marching towards Delhi for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest were stopped by police barricades. The demonstration, organized by Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other farmer groups, aims to push for solutions to agricultural issues and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Rakesh Tikait’s Remarks
Tikait criticized the police actions, stating, “The farmers have been stopped at the Mahamaya Flyover. The farmers want to head to Delhi because the solution will come from Delhi only. The police are stopping the farmers, but they are determined to proceed to Delhi.”
He also addressed the participation of Punjab farmers scheduled for December 6, adding, “Punjab has a different system. They are a different people.”
Enhanced Security Measures
Ahead of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, authorities implemented a three-tier security plan in the Noida-Delhi region. Additional Commissioner of Police Shivhari Meena outlined the preparations:
“We are in constant talks with farmers regarding the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. Yesterday, we had a three-hour discussion with them. Around 5,000 police personnel are conducting checks at various locations. We have also issued a traffic advisory, and approximately 1,000 PAC personnel have been deployed. Water cannons and other arrangements are in place.”
Noida Police, anticipating disruptions, ramped up inspections and intensified security to manage traffic effectively. Resources like water cannons, fire squads, and traffic management tools have been deployed.
Farmers’ Demands
The protesting farmers are demanding compensation and benefits related to agricultural reforms, with a primary focus on a legal guarantee for MSP. The BKP and associated farmer groups argue that only the central government in Delhi can resolve these issues.