Sun Dec 08 13:28:01 UTC 2024: **Farmers’ Protest Met with Tear Gas and Water Cannons at Delhi Border**
Shambhu, Haryana—A planned march by 101 farmers towards Delhi was forcefully halted today at the Punjab-Haryana border, resulting in injuries and escalating tensions. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to prevent the farmers from breaching heavily fortified barricades.
According to farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, at least eight farmers sustained injuries, with one being transported to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh for treatment. Pandher criticized the government’s response, stating that the heavy police presence and tactics clearly indicated an unwillingness to engage in dialogue. He asserted that the farmers’ next course of action will be decided following a meeting of the Samyuka Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Haryana police disputed the farmers’ identities, claiming their list of participants didn’t match the protesters present. The farmers countered this, asserting their identities and demanding passage. A heavy police presence, including barricades and road spikes, was visible at the Shambhu border throughout the day. Haryana police also issued an appeal to the media to maintain a safe distance from the protest site.
The farmers’ demands remain consistent: a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, farm debt waivers, pensions for farmers, a halt to electricity tariff hikes, withdrawal of police cases against farmers, justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and reinstatement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait has urged farmer unity, emphasizing that their divisions are exploited by authorities. He indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with the government. The situation remains tense, with the farmers’ next move eagerly awaited.
First Piper 