Farmers protesting at the borders of Delhi faced heat yesterday after the unrest on Republic day, January 26. After the clash between the police and one section of the farmers, the situation became tense.
Some of the farmers are saying that the clash has desecrated their protest and they are being labeled as defaulters by the police. Although, allegations are being leveled against Deep Sidhu (an actor-activist) and leaders of Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee for their alleged role in inciting the mob. The unruly section of farmers sent a signal to the government even during tight security arrangement due to Republic day celebrations.
Some people drawn comparison between US Capitol insurrection and hoisting of two flags at the historic and iconic Red Fort building. Over 300 policemen were injured and one farmer has died who belonged to Uttar Pradesh's Rampur.
As per reports, the violence could have been much worse because hundreds of thousands of farmers were riding tractors and the prescribed route was diverted by one section of the farmers. The farmers' leaders called off their tractor parade in the evening but as they say the damage has already been done.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has already condemned the violence but two of the unions have opted out of the protest from their umbrella union. As per several reports, prior to the January 26 tractor parade, on the night of January 25, youth took over the stage and opposed the proposed and discussed route. Now no one is taking any responsibility but allegations are being leveled against individuals and one union. That must have rung several bells when the stage was captured by the youth at the protest site.
As per several experts, the next step is the most significant in which both sides have to accept
each other's demands, wholly or partially because only by stepping back, the
situation can be normalized. Moreover, farmers might have to choose between the
devil and the deep blue sea. It seems very difficult that the government will
concede and accept the demand to repeal the contentious farm laws. The
government is likely to woo the farmers with the upcoming budget on February 1.
Read More: Farmers call off Parliament march on foot post unrest on Republic day, cracks among unions visible
As per experts, negotiations are necessary and to resolve the deadlock, farmers and government have to get on the table again even if 11 round of talks have failed. The trailer on January 26 has ringed alarm bells for the government and farmers both. Now is the time to look beyond their contested stands and agree on a mutual, compromised path.