Chandigarh, Feb 13: Tensions escalated at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border on Tuesday as Haryana Police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesting farmers, predominantly from Punjab, who were attempting to march towards Delhi.
The farmers, demanding legislation on minimum support price (MSP), faced heavy security deployment and blockades at all Haryana borders to thwart their progress.
Reports emerged of a drone being used to drop tear gas shells on the protesters, with some shells found to have expired in 2022.
Earlier, thousands of farmers, representing over 200 unions under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had commenced the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march from Chandigarh. However, discussions between farmer leaders and Union ministers Arjun Munda and Piyush Goyal in Chandigarh failed to yield consensus.
While the Centre proposed a committee to address the MSP issue, farmer leaders rejected the suggestion, insisting on legalizing the MSP. The government also agreed to withdraw cases against farmers from the 2020-21 agitation but made no commitments regarding a loan waiver.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a leader of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, criticized the government’s stance, accusing it of favoring corporate interests over farmers’ welfare.
In response, the farmers proceeded with their march towards Delhi, prompting heightened security measures by Haryana Police.
“A total of 114 companies, including 64 from paramilitary forces and 50 from Haryana Police, have been deployed across various districts to maintain law and order,” stated Assistant Inspector General Manisha Chaudhary.
Haryana Police have sealed entry points at Shambhu border in Patiala, Moonak in Sangrur, Dabwali in Muktsar, and Ratia in Mansa, causing significant disruptions to vehicular traffic.
Security has also been reinforced at the Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders to avert further protests in Delhi.
