Government’s intransigent stance is harmful, according to BKU president Naresh Tikait

Naresh Tikait, the head of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said on Tuesday that the Centre’s “stubborn approach” is proving to be problematic and suggested that discussions with the farmers should take place.

The leader of BKU questioned if the farmers would continue to blockade highways, engage in protest, or move toward Delhi.

Regarding the anticipated bandh call on February 16th, which has been put forward by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and many other organizations, Tikait said that military vehicles, school vans, and patient cars would be excluded.

He went on, “Talks should be the way to resolve the issues.”

Security guards stationed at the Ghazipur border in anticipation of the Sunday, February 11, 2024, ‘Delhi Chalo March’ by farmers in New Delhi.
Tighter border security in Delhi as farmers prepare for a protest on February 13
When asked to provide further details on the requests made by the farmers, Tikait said to PTI Videos in Muzaffarnagar, “Demands vary depending on the state.” Will farmers continue to stage protests, blockade highways, or march in the direction of Delhi?Additionally, the government bears part of the blame.

What is the issue with paying attention to these matters? There is risk associated with the ‘ziddi ravaiyya’ (stubborn attitude).

He stated, “The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) is always with the farmers. The government should think (on these issues) and hold talks with the farmers.”

Regarding the sealing of borders in Delhi, he said, “Farmers’ concerns are ignored. The government’s perspective is not taken seriously. Whatever the farmers are trying to say, it is important to hear it. or putting an end to it, is seen as courage.”

Security guards stationed at the Ghazipur border in anticipation of the Sunday, February 11, 2024, ‘Delhi Chalo March’ by farmers in New Delhi.
Farmers demonstrate: “Punjab and Haryana governments have blocked roads, not us.”
In the meantime, after talks between farm leaders and the Center failed to yield results, security in Delhi has been stepped up with multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and walls of containers at border points to prevent a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march of farmers from entering the national capital on Tuesday.

Massive deployments of police and paramilitary forces with anti-riot gear have been made at the three border crossing locations, Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur.

Per an official, temporary detention centers have been erected at “specific locations” in anticipation of the march.

A legislation guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops is among the requests that farmers will push the Center to embrace. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have already declared that farmers would go to Delhi on Tuesday to make their demands known.

Tractor-trolleys began traveling to the demonstration on Monday from several locations in Punjab.