Farmers in Punjab have been protesting since February 13, demanding a law guaranteeing the purchase of all crops at Minimum Support Price, a complete debt waiver, and justice for victims of violence. The farmers also demanded the withdrawal from the WTO and suspension of free trade agreements. On Monday, they called for a shutdown in support of a leader who has been on a hunger strike for over a month. The government has provided compensation to some victims' families, but union members claim many are still waiting for support.
After two days of intense standoff, heavy security build-up continues as farmers' groups from Punjab and Haryana are preparing to march towards Delhi to demand a minimum support price law and implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations among other demands. The third round of talks between the farmers' leaders and union ministers is set to take place in Chandigarh today, amidst the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' protest. Meanwhile, protests and a nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' have been planned in solidarity with the farmers' demands.