Tension flared at the Shambhu border on Sunday as 101 protesting farmers were stopped from advancing towards Delhi. The police prevented their movement due to prohibitory orders. To disperse the farmers, the police fired teargas shells.
Haryana Police claimed to have a list of 101 farmers provided by farm unions. However, they noted the names of the protesting farmers did not match the list. A police official said, “We will first identify them and then allow them to proceed. They cannot move in mass as the local administration has prohibited any procession.”
Farmers Push Forward Despite Setbacks
The farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, resumed their “Delhi Chalo” march on Sunday after deferring it for a day. However, they were stopped within meters of the barricades, which were reinforced with heavy wire mesh.
The farmers are marching in support of demands such as a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) of crops, loan waivers, and agricultural reforms. One protester commented, “The Haryana government has turned this border into the India-Pakistan border.”
Heightened Security Measures at Border
Police increased security near the Ghaggar rivulet to prevent any disturbances. They tried to pacify the farmers by offering water and biscuits. However, the farmers argued they had the right to march to the national capital as Indian citizens without needing permission.
Farmers, mainly from Punjab, deferred their march on Friday after six of them were injured in clashes with security forces. They expressed readiness for talks but resumed protests after receiving no offer for discussions from the Centre.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, told the media that no message had been received from the Centre about talks. He confirmed the group of 101 farmers would continue their march.
Strong Police Presence at the Border
On Friday, Haryana Police had already stopped a batch of 101 farmers, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The police used at least 50 teargas shells when the farmers tried to cross the barricades.
Mobile internet and bulk messaging services were suspended in parts of Ambala district. District authorities banned gatherings of five or more people and closed schools for the day.
To prevent disruptions, Haryana Police reinforced the border with multilayered barricades and deployed water cannons. Earlier attempts by farmers to march to Delhi on February 13 and 21 were also blocked by heavy security at the Punjab-Haryana border.
Also Read: Farmers To Resume ‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest With 101-Member Delegation
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