Delhi Chalo’ March: Haryana Police Disperse Protesting Farmers with Tear Gas

This clash comes on the fourth day of the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, to advocate for their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

The confrontation ensued following inconclusive talks between Union ministers and farmer leaders a day prior, marking the fourth round of discussions scheduled for Sunday. Despite meetings held on February 8, 12, and 15, a resolution remains elusive.

In response to the police’s actions, the Haryana Police released video footage purportedly showing farmers engaging in stone-throwing and provoking security personnel. They underscored that disorder under the guise of the farmers’ movement cannot be tolerated. The clashes left 25 security personnel injured, including 18 from the Haryana Police and seven paramilitary force jawans.

However, farmer leaders leading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement accused the Haryana security personnel of using excessive force, resulting in injuries among protesters. Sarwan Singh Pandher condemned what they perceive as efforts by the Centre to suppress dissent, highlighting the suspension of social media accounts belonging to farmers and YouTubers.

The protest, which began on Tuesday as farmers from Punjab embarked on a march to Delhi, encountered resistance from security forces at Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border, where they have since remained encamped.

Tragically, a 63-year-old farmer participating in the Shambhu border protest passed away from a heart attack on Friday. Gian Singh, from Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, complained of chest pain and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.

Despite the challenges, farmer leaders remain resolute in their demands, including a law on MSP and debt waiver, advocating for their cause amidst ongoing talks with the government.

The call for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ by a farmers’ body saw demonstrations across Punjab and Haryana, resulting in disruptions to transportation and commercial activities. The farmers continue to assert their demands, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to address the agricultural sector’s challenges.