On the second day of the farmers’ Chalo Dilli march which was stopped at the Punjab-Haryana border on Tuesday night, the farmer leaders said they do not want to clash with the cops but the government is using brutal forces against them treating them like enemies. The government on the other hand maintained that they are ready to talk to the farmers and already many of their demands have been accepted. Security was upped at the Punjab-Haryana border with the Haryana police guarding their side to ensure no farmer is able to enter the state. The Punjab government has not stopped the farmers but the police are on alert. Hospitals have also been alerted after Tuesday’s clash between the farmers and the Haryana police.

“This recommendation, however, has not been accepted by the government because MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices based on objective criteria and considering variety of relevant factors. Hence, prescribing an increase of at least 50% on cost may distort the market,” the UPA government replied in 2010.

Minister Arjun Munda said farmers should not inconvenience the common people. “I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers’ union will continue. Farmers’ organizations must understand that the decision on the law that is being talked about cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it,” he said.