Farmers' Protest: Seven Months On, Thousands Observe Save Democracy Day, March To Delhi

To mark the completion of seven months of their protest, the thousands of farmers who had been demonstrating at the borders of Delhi on Saturday observed 'Save Farming, Save Democracy Day'.

Various farmers groups that are observing the same in other states said they will submit a memorandum to the governors all across India.

Ghazipur, Delhi border

At the Delhi border in Ghazipur, thousands of farmers were present with their tractors. However, they have made it clear that they will not enter Delhi with their tractors.

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Gaurav Tikait said the farmers will submit memorandums to Governors (for repeal of new farm laws) across the country on Saturday.

"We'll submit memorandums to Governors (for repeal of new farm laws) across the country today. The movement will remain peaceful," said BKU youth wing president Gaurav Tikait said.

Farmers will try to meet Delhi L-G

Farmers bodies had also announced on Friday that they will try to meet Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal and hand him their memorandum.

However, according to the Delhi L-G office, farmers have not been given permission to meet Baijal. An official said, "Instead they have been asked to handover their memorandum to DCP Civil Lines."

On Friday, the Delhi Police asked Delhi Rail Metro Corporation (DMRC) to shut three metro stations which are located near the L-G House. These are part of the Yellow Line - Vishwavidyalaya, Civil Lines and Vidhan Sabha, and they have been closed till 2 p.m.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed solidarity with the farmers protesting against the Centre's three farm laws ahead of their tractor rally.

Taking to Twitter, the former Congress president said he is with the protesting farmers in their fight against the three farm laws induced by the Centre.

Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had been camping at the three entry points of Delhi since November to protests against three farm laws passed by the Modi government.

Several rounds of talks between the two sides did not yield any result and the negotiations broke down following the violence that erupted in the national capital on January 26, on the occasion of Republic Day when the farmers took out tractor rallies to Delhi.