Farmers Postpone Delhi March: Pandher Demands Meeting with Central Govt. Before February 14

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Farmers have decided to delay their planned march to Delhi following a call from leader Sarwan Singh Pandher for the central government to arrange a meeting in Delhi before February 14 instead of Chandigarh. Initially set to march towards Delhi the farmers altered their plans after discussions with the chief secretary. Instead, they will continue their protest at the Dalit Prerna Sthal.

On Monday morning, thousands of farmers gathered near the Mahamaya flyover preparing to head towards Delhi. However, as the day progressed they decided to assemble at the Dalit Prerna Sthal instead. The farmers are standing firm on their demands regarding compensation under new agricultural laws as well as five other key issues. The situation at the Noida and Delhi borders remains tense as the farmers continue their protests. Authorities are in discussions with the farmers and should no resolution be reached the farmers may attempt to march towards Delhi again. Meanwhile, police have begun removing barricades from the roads leading to the protest sites.

The farmers' demands include quadrupling compensation for land acquired after January 1, 2014 extending the benefits of new land acquisition laws to districts, providing developed plots in exchange for acquired land, ensuring employment for the children of landless farmers and implementing recommendations from a high-power committee. The farmers remain determined in their stance and have warned that if discussions fail to yield results they will renew their call for a march to Delhi. Additionally, another farmers' organization plans to march towards Delhi on December 6.