The Delhi March by 101 farmers was suspended after a violent clash at Shambhu border, where Haryana police used tear gas to stop them.
Chandigarh: After Haryana police thwarted another attempt by farmers to march to Delhi, farmer leaders have called for a three-hour train blockade in Punjab on December 18 and plan to conduct tractor marches in several states on December 16.
The Delhi March by a group of 101 farmers was suspended on Saturday evening following a violent clash at the Shambhu border, where Haryana police stopped the farmers at barricades set up on the Ghaggar River bridge. Farmer leader Sarwan Pandher claimed that 17 farmers were injured during the clash, which involved tear gas shelling by Haryana security forces. He criticized the government’s actions, stating that the police were targeting farmers and preventing them from reaching the nation’s capital to voice their concerns.
Pandher also accused the Haryana police of using “chemical-mixed water” from the Ghaggar River to disperse the farmers and deploying expired tear gas shells. Another farmer leader, Manjit Rai, alleged that security personnel used rubber bullets, resulting in serious injuries to one farmer. However, Ambala Cantt Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajat Gulia denied these allegations.
Farmer leaders expressed concerns over the lack of attention to farmers’ issues in Parliament, especially amid ongoing discussions on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. They noted that no Member of Parliament, from either the ruling parties or the opposition, raised the farmers’ concerns.
Pandher questioned, “We want to know which Constitution applies to farmers’ protests,” adding that leaders of ruling parties are not addressing their issues.
Following the call for the Delhi March by leaders of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), a police team under Ambala Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria made arrangements to stop the farmers. After a 40-minute argument with the police, the farmers attempted to break through the barricades.
In response, the police fired tear gas and used water cannons, resulting in several farmers sustaining injuries. Olympian wrestler and Congress leader Bajrang Punia arrived in support of the farmers at the Shambhu Border.
Criticizing the government for using police force against the farmers, Punia questioned the use of tear gas on protesting farmers and asked why the Shambhu border is being treated like a border with Pakistan. He stated, “The government was claiming that we are not stopping the farmers, but they are using tear gas and water cannons to stop farmers who are not being allowed to raise their voice. When leaders go to Delhi to protest, do they get permission? Farmers are protesting for MSP for their crops. The government should fulfill its promises made to the farmers.”
At the Khannauri Border, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), continued his hunger strike for the 19th consecutive day. Doctors issued a medical bulletin stating that his condition has become extremely critical.
Addressing the farmers of the nation through the media, Dallewal referred to a Supreme Court statement that his life is more precious than the movement. He responded, “I believe the lives of farmers who are forced to commit suicide due to the government’s wrong policies are far more valuable than mine. In the past 25 years, over 5 lakh farmers have taken their own lives.”
Dallewal made it clear that he is ready to sacrifice his life to secure the rights of the farming community. He urged the Supreme Court to issue directives to the central government to fulfill the farmers’ demands immediately if it truly values his life.
Meanwhile, farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) held a meeting and decided to reach the Khanauri border on Sunday to inquire about Dallewal’s health.
Upcoming Protests:
. December 16: Large tractor marches will be organized at the district and tehsil levels across the country.
. December 18: A “Rail Roko” campaign will be held in Punjab from 12 PM to 3 PM.
In Tamil Nadu, trains will be blocked at 15 different locations.