Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farm unions call for Grameen Bharat Bandh today

Bharat Bandh on February 16: Will the nationwide strike affect Board exams?

Amid the ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' March, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced a nationwide strike, referred to as the 'Gramin Bharat Bandh,' scheduled for February 16. These groups aim to highlight the government's unfulfilled promises during the 2020 Farmers' Protest.

The third meeting between Union ministers and farmer leaders in Chandigarh ended without any agreement, leading to the scheduling of another round of talks on Sunday. Describing the meeting "positive", Union minister Arjun Munda said, "Today, a very positive discussion happened between the government and the farmers' unions."

"The discussion with the Centre was held on all the demands raised by us. We discussed with the aim of finding a resolution to the issues. The ministers said that they require time. We hope that a peaceful solution is derived; avoid any conflict. Our programme to go to Delhi is still there," says Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher after the third round of talks with Centre in Chandigarh.

"We had a detailed discussion with the three Union ministers (Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai). After the discussion, the government said that the demands require a detailed discussion. They have decided Sunday for the next (fourth) round of meeting," says Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) convenor Jagjit Singh Dallewal after third round of talks between Centre and farmer unions conclude in Chandigarh.

After the meeting with the farmer unions concluded, Union Minister Arjun Munda says

"Today, a very positive discussion happened between the government and the farmers' unions. Focusing on the topics highlighted by the farmers' union, we have decided that the next meeting will take place on Sunday at 6 pm... We all will find a solution peacefully..."

Farm stir not peaceful, armed protesters may gherao Parliament: Haryana in High Court

Haryana govt has claimed in its status report submitted before Punjab and Haryana HC that they had inputs regarding thousands of agitators moving in modified tractors/trolleys with weapons for camping in Delhi and laying siege to Parliament. It has also claimed that agitation was “not peaceful” and would “cause huge damage to common citizens as well as institutions”.

These assertions are part of Haryana govt’s status report filed by T V S N Prasad, additional chief secretary (home) Haryana, before HC in response to a PIL against sealing of borders and suspension of Internet by state.

Punjab Congress demands Haryana police to book home minister Anil Vij and senior police officers

Punjab Congress has demanded the registration of an FIR against Haryana home minister Anil Vij and state’s senior police officers for the use of force by the Haryana Police on farmers in Punjab’s jurisdiction. The police action has left scores of farmers injured, with many hospitalised at government health facilities. A delegation, led by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) member Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, submitted a memorandum to the Punjab chief secretary urging immediate action. Former ministers Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Gurkirat Kotli, MP Amar Singh, former MLA Gurpreet Singh GP and party leaders Kamil Amar Singh, and Gurbhej Tibbi were also part of the delegation.

Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, Nityanand Rai and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann hold a meeting with farmer leaders, in Chandigarh.

DCP Traffic Noida issues traffic advisory for 16th February, in view of farmers' protest. Also issues traffic helpline number - 9971009001

Meeting between central ministers and farmer leaders, Punjab Bhagwant Mann and FM Harpal Cheema also present

Farmers' protest politically motivated, claims MoS for Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday characterised the ongoing farmers' protest in Delhi as politically motivated. Addressing reporters in Udupi, she said the M S Swaminathan committee had given 207 recommendations in its report, which was kept in "deep cold storage" by the UPA government. She claimed that all the recommendations were addressed by the Narendra Modi government alone, and minimum support price (MSP) was one among them.

Noida Police to invoke CrPC 144 on Friday due to 'Bharat Bandh'

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police on Thursday said restrictions under CrPC section 144, including a ban on unauthorised public assemblies, would be enforced across the district on February 16. The decision has been taken in view of proposed protest marches called by the farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other unions. The Bharatiya Kisan Union, part of SKM, had earlier called for a 'Bharat Bandh' on February 16, citing a host of unmet demands of farmers.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher among farmer leaders taking part in the meeting with the Union ministers

Among the farmer leaders taking part in the meeting are SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher.

Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai arrive at the hotel in Chandigarh for the meeting with farmer leaders.

Haryana government suspends telecom services till February 17

Never seen this much-extended struggle of farmers after the independence: Former Rajasthan CM and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot

On farmers' protest, former Rajasthan CM and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, "This is yet another failure of BJP govt. I have never seen this much-extended struggle of farmers after the independence.. Didn't they (the central govt) get time in this one year after the farm laws were repealed to communicate with the farmers?. When PM Modi himself was the Chief Minister he used to demand the law for MSP from the UPA govt but what happened now? Congress party is with the farmers, justice will prevail at the end."

Farmers should not go to their farms and work tomorrow: Rakesh Tikait

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said on the call for 'Bharat Bandh' on February 16, “We have called for a ‘Gramin Bharat Bandh’. Farmers should not go to their farms and work tomorrow. A new line of thinking will emerge out of this. Labourers will also go on strike. This will show how many people are participating in the movement.”

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh attacks BJP, PM Modi over farmers' protests

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday attacked the BJP-led Centre for allegedly not fulfilling its promises to farmers, including providing a legal guarantee for MSP, and for using force to stop protesting farmers from marching to Delhi to put forth their demands. Addressing a press conference here, Singh also criticised the Narendra Modi government for nominating Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to hold talks with the protesting farmer leaders, asking what he had to do with farmers and agriculture.

Nothing on legal guarantee for MSP was ever promised: Binod Anand, member of PM MSP Committee

Binod Anand, Member, PM MSP Committee says, "If this is the (legal guarantee on MSP) the only way country's economic progress and farmers' welfare, we will leave no stone unturned in doing this. But when was the law on MSP guaranteed? The PM never said that...These are hooligan farmers and a few politically inspired people...People of a particular state are using farmers in this manner against their political rivals...Nothing on legal guarantee for MSP was ever said...We have to make such agri policies that will be valid until 2075 so that financial inequalities go down...MSP is a complex subject, they should come and sit with us. I assure them that if I am unable to answer all their questions, I will resign from the committee...This is a drama and something to distract and break the nation..."

Mamata Banerjee slams centre government over ongoing farmers protest

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee came down heavily on centre government over ongoing farmers protest. "Administration of Ravan has crossed all Lakshman Rekhas," Mamata said. West Bengal chief minister further said that the farmers are protesting, the country is burning: but BJP is not bothered.

Protesting farmers trying to march like army on offensive: Haryana CM Manohar Khattar

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said protesting farmers "are trying to march to Delhi like an army on the offensive". "The farmers are moving with tractor-trolleys, earth-movers and ration for a year -- just like an army," he told the media here. He was responding to a question about huge build up by farmers from Punjab on Haryana borders while they were heading to the national capital to lodge their protest over unfulfilled demands, including legal guarantee of minimum support prices.

Protesting farmers fighting for nation, just like soldiers do on borders: Rahul Gandhi in Bihar's Aurangabad.

Rajasthan Congress extends support to farmers' bandh call

Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra said on Thursday that the party will support the call of bandh by farmers for their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for their crops. "Farmers have called for a bandh on Friday. The Congress has also decided to support the farmers' strike call. We will remain with the farmers' movement while ensuring that there is no violence, no damage to any government property," Dotasra told reporters at a press conference. Targeting the central government on the farmers' movement, Dotasra said the BJP government at the Centre had made three "black laws" for a few industrialists and not for the benefit of farmers.

Despite heightened security measures at the Tikri border in view of the farmers' protest, board exams were held hassle-free and no delay was reported in the conduct of examination. Vehicles were arranged by the police and paramilitary officials to help students reach their respective centres near the Tikri border. "There are two schools close to the Tikri border metro station. As they were walking towards their examination centres, we arranged vehicles for them so that they can reach on time," a senior police officer said. Parents who were on two-wheelers with their children were also allowed by the police to cross the area, he said.

Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni announced three decisions regarding the ongoing farmers' protest

On farmers' protest, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said, "Three decisions were taken today, first one is, we will keep Haryana toll free for 3 hours tomorrow, from 12pm-3pm...day after tomorrow, there will be a tractor parade in every Tehsil, from 12 pm...on 18th February, there will be a joint meeting of all farmers' and labour organisations...further decisions will be taken in that meeting..."

In certain parts of Punjab's Patiala, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib districts, internet services have been suspended until February 16 following the Ministry of Home Affairs' orders. This action was taken due to the ongoing farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Raising demands and going to Delhi is everyone's right but the motive has to be seen, says Haryana CM

On farmers' protest, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says "...Raising demands and going to Delhi is everyone's right but the motive has to be seen. We have seen all of this last year, how a scene was created and they occupied various borders which created problems for everyone...We have an objection to the way they are protesting...Tractor is not a mode of transport, they can come on buses or trains. Discussions should be done democratically so that a solution can be reached..."

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Two trains cancelled, six diverted amid rail roko in Punjab

Naveen Kumar, senior divisional commercial manager, Ambala railway division, said that two train have been cancelled in the division, six trains have been diverted to run via Ludhiana-Sahnewal-Chandigarh route and two have been short terminated in view of Rail Roko in Punjab.No Shatabdi or Vande Bharat trains are among those affected, he added.

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmers write letter to UN Secretary General

Centre opposes farmers' letter to UN Secretary General. Letter to UN Secretary General must be withdrawn, says government.

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sent an official letter to MP chief minister Mohan Yadav requesting the MP Police to release Karnataka farmers

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday sent an official letter to MP chief minister Mohan Yadav requesting the MP Police to release Karnataka farmers, who were enroute to protest in New Delhi, immediately

Farmers Protest Live: Farmers stage 'Rail roko' protest in Punjab

Farmers blocked railway traffic across Punjab, here they sitting at Barnala railway station against repression in farmers at borders of Punjab with Haryana while the farmers were on way to Delhi on Feb 13

Farmers Protest Live Updates: PM should speak to 3 Union ministers to resolve farmers' demands, says Farmer leader Pandher

Ahead of a meeting with a panel of the Centre, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Thursday said the prime minister should speak to the three visiting Union ministers to resolve the farmers' issues. Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai will meet the farmer leaders at 5 pm here over their various demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.Addressing the media at the Shambhu border, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Pandher said protesting farmers' demands should be accepted.

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Government hopeful of positive outcome from physical talks with farmers this evening

Government hopeful of positive outcome from physical talks with farmers this evening, a top functionary said on the sidelines of an agri event.

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Panel of 3 union ministers to hold talks with farmer leaders in Chandigarh

A panel of three Union ministers will hold a meeting with protesting farmer leaders in Chandigarh Thursday for another round of talks amid the ongoing standoff between the agitators and security personnel at the Punjab-Haryana border. Agriculture and Farmer Welfare minister Arjun Munda, minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and minister of state for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai will meet the farmer leaders at 5 pm here over their various demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price for crops.

The Delhi Police has placed orders for more than 30,000 tear gas shells, an official said, as the force prepares to prevent Punjab farmers from entering the national capital under their 'Dilli Chalo' protest. Hundreds of farmers marching from Punjab have been stopped at the state's border with Haryana near Ambala, about 200 kilometers away from Delhi. Haryana security forces have used tear gas on them to try and disperse them.

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Farmers defiant as tear gas shells rain down at Punjab-Haryana borders

Haryana security personnel lobbed tear gas shells on farmers from Punjab at the Shambhu border between the two states as thousands of protesters stayed there on Wednesday, the second day of their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.The police action came whenever any group of the protesting farmers tried to move towards the barricades.Some farmers also pelted stones at the security personnel, who were positioned close to the barricades.The police have deployed a drone to keep an eye on the protesting farmers, who are demanding a legal guarantee to the minimum support price (MSP).

Farmers Protest Live Updates: 'Our demands aren’t 'repetition' but a matter of life and death for us', says Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher

Here’s what farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said ahead of farmers’ meeting with three Union ministers in Chandigarh later today.“Our demands aren’t 'repetition' but a matter of life and death for us. We will put forward our point in front of the ministers.”

Farmers Protest Live Updates: Centre's stance on farmers' protest hypocritical, says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday lashed out at the centre over the farmer issue saying that there is a need to understand chronology now."The Swaminathan committee in 2006-07 presented their report on MSP. After that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wanted to take a decision. He formed a panel of the National Development Council. The chief of this body was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi. In Feb 2011, the panel submitted a report to Manmohan Singh. Modi then stated that MSP must be given a legal status. Talks were held. We then lost power at the centre," explained Jairam Ramesh.