Farmers protest: Tractor march to Delhi today; to observe 'Quit WTO Day'

As the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) geared up for a planned tractor march today, the Noida Police has issued a traffic advisory, cautioning commuters about potential disruptions and diversions in the Delhi-Noida border region. The tractor march is scheduled to begin at 12 noon and will continue till 4 pm today, taking place on both national and state highways. The SKM has declared today as 'Quit WTO Day,' urging the Centre to exert pressure on developed countries to exclude agriculture from World Trade Organisation discussions.

The farmers have previously organised a candle march in remembrance of deceased farmer during the ongoing agitation. In their protest today, they plan to burn effigies of the World Trade Organisation and the Centre. Additionally, the cremation of deceased farmer Shubhkaran Singh is on hold until the Punjab government registers a case against those deemed responsible.

Farmers affiliated with the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Tikait and BKU LokShakti are set to embark on a journey from Noida to Delhi, advocating for a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce. This move follows recent protests by other farmers' groups, the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad and All India Kisan Sabha, who demonstrated at NTPC Noida and in front of the Greater Noida Authority office.

To ensure the safety of the tractor march, the Noida Police has implemented prohibitory orders under Section 144 and deployed additional personnel at key entry and exit points of Delhi and Noida. The planned route includes the Yamuna Expressway, Luharli Toll Plaza, and Mahamaya Flyover. To mitigate potential traffic disruptions, the Noida Police has provided specific measures in their traffic advisory. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes, and restrictions on goods vehicles along specific paths have been imposed.

On Friday, February 23, the protesting farmers declared a temporary suspension of their 'Delhi Chalo' march until February 29. They opted to remain stationed along the Punjab-Haryana border until further decisions are made. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), the two leading farmer groups orchestrating the demonstration at the Shambu and Khanuari borders, will assess and decide on their subsequent actions on Thursday, February 29.

In a related development, the Delhi Police eased barriers at the Singhu and Tikri borders as the farmers decided to postpone proposed march towards the national capital.

Pawan Khatana, the president of BKU Tikait (West UP), outlined their plan to line up tractors from Greater Noida to the Noida side and march along the Yamuna Expressway, proceeding towards the Chilla border via the Noida Expressway.

Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed his views on the WTO's subsidy criteria, stating the policy is detrimental to farmers. He emphasised the disparity in treatment, noting that while the United States provides an annual subsidy of $8,500 to its farmers in the green box, India's subsidy is currently ₹258. Pandher highlighted the lack of competitiveness in such a scenario and suggested the government should consider withdrawing India from the WTO.