Punjab Hospitals Brace for Injured Farmers Amid Haryana Border Clashes

Punjab hospitals near the Haryana border are on high alert as farmers clash with police. The state government has increased ambulances and asked medical staff to be on duty. Health Minister Balbir Singh will visit injured farmers in Rajpura.

Chandigarh, February 13: The Punjab government has issued an alert to hospitals near the Haryana border following the clashes between farmers and police at Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The state government has also requested the Haryana government to refrain from using lathi-charge and tear gas shells against the farmers.

Increased Medical Preparedness

To ensure prompt medical assistance, the Punjab government has deployed additional ambulances along the Haryana border. Doctors and other medical staff have been asked to remain on duty to handle any influx of injured farmers.

Hospitals on High Alert

The government has issued alerts to hospitals in Sangrur, Patiala, Dera Bassi, Mansa, and Bathinda, anticipating the need for medical attention for injured farmers.

Minister to Visit Injured Farmers

Health Minister Balbir Singh will visit the Civil Hospital in Rajpura on Wednesday to meet the injured farmers admitted there. As of now, 26 farmers are receiving treatment at the Rajpura hospital.

Clashes at Border Points

On Tuesday, farmers from Punjab clashed with Haryana Police at two border points between the states. The farmers faced tear gas and water cannons as they attempted to break through barricades blocking their protest march towards the national capital.

Police and Farmer Injuries

The clashes resulted in injuries to 24 police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, as protesters hurled stones at them. Farmer leaders alleged that police also fired rubber bullets, claiming over 60 protesters were hurt in the attack at Shambhu border, near Haryana's Ambala city.

Tear Gas and Water Cannons

Police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters at the border in Jind district of Haryana as well. According to police reports, nine of their officers were injured in the clash at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border.

Farmers' Demands

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha Non-Political and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the "Delhi Chalo" agitation to pressure the central government to meet their demands, including a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers.

The Punjab government's prompt response and medical preparedness demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the well-being of farmers amidst the ongoing protests.