Fri Dec 06 03:59:24 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Farmers March on Delhi Despite Security Concerns
**New Delhi, December 6, 2024** – Thousands of Punjab farmers launched a march towards New Delhi today, demanding government guarantees on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops and other agricultural reforms. Delhi Police have heightened security at the city’s borders in anticipation of the protest, potentially causing traffic disruptions.
The farmers, primarily affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camped at the Shambhu border since February, following previous attempts to reach the capital that were blocked by authorities. Their demands extend beyond MSP to include debt waivers, pensions for farmers and laborers, and a halt to electricity tariff hikes. They also seek justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence and the reinstatement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
While the Ambala district administration urged the farmers to reconsider their march and seek permission from Delhi Police, the police themselves stated that no such request had been received. Despite this, a heavy police presence has been deployed at the Shambhu and Singhu borders, with additional forces potentially mobilized depending on the situation. The Noida border is also under police observation, due to a separate farmers’ sit-in. Section 163 of the BNSS has been imposed in Ambala, restricting gatherings of five or more people.
Though farmer leaders assured authorities the march would be peaceful and non-disruptive, significant traffic congestion is anticipated in Delhi and surrounding areas. The situation continues to unfold.
First Piper 