Amid the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest by farmers, clashes erupted at the Haryana-Punjab border. Protesting farmers, attempting to breach barricades, pelted stones, damaged a bridge, and clashed with police, resulting in the use of tear gas and water cannons. The situation intensified as farmers sought to march towards Delhi, pressing for their demands.
Incidents at Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border:
- Farmers attempted to forcibly remove barricades and breach the Shambhu border.
- Visuals showed protesters damaging a bridge and throwing barricades off structures.
- Police fired tear gas to disperse the agitated farmers, using drones to deploy tear gas shells.
- Water cannons were also employed to control the situation.
Security Measures and Protest Background:
- The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was initiated by farmers from Punjab’s Sangrur, leading a convoy of 2,500 tractor-trolleys through Haryana towards Delhi.
- Talks between farmer leaders and Union ministers on key demands remained inconclusive, leading to the decision to proceed with the protest march.
- The Centre indicated optimism, citing consensus on most issues, proposing committee formation for unresolved concerns.
- Delhi Police intensified security measures, imposing restrictions and fortifying borders to maintain order.
- Commuters faced traffic diversions and curbs around Delhi borders due to the anticipated protest.
Farmer Demands:
- Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) and withdrawal of cases against those involved in the 2020-21 agitation.
- Despite compensation promises for families of deceased farmers from previous protests, the march continues.
Developments Across Borders:
- Haryana Police detained protesters at Shambhu border as tensions escalated.
- The situation remains fluid as farmers express determination to break barricades and reach Delhi.
Government Response:
- Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda expressed optimism about talks, emphasizing proposals for issue resolution through committee formation.
- The government urged farmers to exercise caution against potential disruptions by external elements.
Security Reinforcements:
- Delhi and Haryana witnessed reinforced security, with concrete blocks, barbed wire, and increased police presence at borders.
- Paramilitary personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, were deployed across districts in Haryana.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is a culmination of farmers’ persistent demands, highlighting a complex scenario at the Haryana-Punjab border, with clashes indicating the challenges in addressing agrarian issues.
