Farmers' March to Delhi Halted at Shambhu Border as Police Deploy Tear Gas

Farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border halted their march to Delhi after some were injured by tear gas shells fired by security forces. The march, organised by Samyukta Kisan Morcha Non-Political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aimed to press for demands like a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The farmers also urged the Centre to engage in dialogue to resolve their issues.

Despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which bans gatherings of five or more people, farmers attempted to breach barricades set up by Haryana security personnel. Water cannons and tear gas were used to disperse them. Many farmers tried to counter the tear gas with wet jute bags and attempted to remove iron nails and barbed wire from the road.

Security Measures and Farmer Response

The Haryana Police cited a prohibitory order issued by the Ambala administration as the reason for stopping the march. They claimed that some protesters acted violently, trying to dismantle police barricades. The police shared images showing the chaos caused by the farmers. Inspector General of Police, Sibash Kabiraj, stated that comprehensive security measures were in place due to the farmers' call to head towards Delhi.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the Haryana government for excessive force against farmers, stating that eight were injured, including Surjit Singh Phul. Injured individuals were taken to hospital from the protest site. Pandher expressed disappointment over being treated like enemies and called for either dialogue or permission to proceed to Delhi.

Political Reactions and Future Plans

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini defended his government's actions, highlighting efforts made for farmers' welfare, including procuring crops at MSP. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticised the BJP government for restricting farmers' rights in a democracy. Congress leader Hooda labelled stopping farmers as undemocratic since they agreed not to use tractor-trolleys.

Pandher announced that the march would resume on Sunday if no proposal for talks emerged from the Centre. He emphasised their intent for a peaceful "Delhi Chalo" programme and urged the government to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.

Additional Security Measures

Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary Home Sumita Misra confirmed prohibitory orders in Ambala and four other districts. She mentioned arrangements at Shambhu and Khanauri borders to maintain order. Mobile internet and bulk SMS services were suspended in 11 villages of Ambala district until December 9.

Pandher accused the Centre of using excessive force against unarmed farmers, questioning why they were stopped despite marching on foot without tractors. He noted that previous attempts on February 13 and 21 were similarly thwarted by security forces at border points.

Farmers' Demands

The protesting farmers have submitted a list of demands, including farm debt waivers, pensions for farmers and labourers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases against them, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They also seek reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of deceased farmers from past agitations.

Pandher stated that they would question Punjab BJP leaders about their treatment by the Centre. He reiterated their desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue with authorities.