Police deployed tear gas on Sunday afternoon to disperse farmers protesting at the Shambhu border, which separates Haryana and Punjab, as they resumed their march towards Delhi. A group of 101 farmers, many of whom were wearing masks, goggles, and other protective gear to shield themselves from tear gas, began their journey despite heavy police presence. The protest is supported by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Authorities have raised doubts about the identities of some of the protesters, claiming that they were not on the list of 101 farmers who had registered for the march. "We have a list of the names of 101 farmers, and these are not the individuals. They are moving ahead as a mob and not allowing us to verify their identities," a Haryana police official told ANI.
However, one of the farmers challenged this claim, saying that the police’s list was incorrect. "The list they have does not include the names of the farmers here. We have asked the police to let us proceed and show them our identity cards, but they are refusing to allow us to move forward," the farmer explained.
The farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, who had announced the resumption of the march, also criticized the government, stating that they had not received any communication regarding talks. "The government is not in the mood to engage in discussions," he said during a media address.
A heavy security presence has been deployed at the Shambhu border, with barricades and spikes placed on roads to prevent vehicles from crossing. Haryana Police has also instructed journalists to maintain a safe distance from the gathering, with orders to stop coverage about one kilometer before the Punjab-Haryana border. On the Punjab side, officials in Patiala clarified that the media had been briefed to prevent injuries but would not be obstructed from covering the protest.
The farmers’ protest is driven by several demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), a farm debt waiver, pensions for farmers, and no increase in electricity tariffs. They are also calling for the withdrawal of police cases against farmers and justice for those affected by the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, as well as the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.
The farmers had temporarily halted their march on Friday after police used tear gas to block their advance. At least 16 farmers were injured during the incident, with one reportedly losing their hearing.
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), emphasized the need for unity among the protesting farmers. "We are being exploited because we are divided," Tikait said. Regarding the ongoing protest, he added that they would continue to engage with authorities in hopes of addressing their concerns.
(Source: NDTV)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
