New Delhi: Protesting farmers suspended their march to Delhi on Sunday afternoon after violent clashes with security personnel in Haryana left several injured. Tear gas shells and water cannons were deployed to disperse the marchers near the Punjab-Haryana border, escalating tensions in the ongoing agitation for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed that at least eight protesters sustained injuries, with one in critical condition and admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. “We have called back the ‘jatha’ (group of 101 farmers). A meeting of our forums, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, will determine the next steps,” Pandher said, while talking to news agency ANI.
Multilayered barricades erected by Haryana Police
The farmers resumed their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march from the Shambhu protest site earlier in the day. However, their progress was halted by multilayered barricades erected by Haryana Police, who insisted on prior permission from the Delhi administration for the march. Verbal altercations ensued, followed by the deployment of tear gas and water jets to disperse the crowd.
Haryana Police justified their actions, stating the marching group did not match the official list of 101 farmers approved to participate. “We will first verify their identities before allowing them to proceed. The group is moving ahead without following due process,” a police official said.
Farmers criticise government’s approach
Several farmers were reportedly injured, with four in serious condition. Pandher criticised the government’s approach, accusing it of using “false propaganda and misinformation” instead of engaging in dialogue. “The Modi government has all the resources to suppress our movement but refuses to resolve the issue,” he alleged.
The Punjab government faced criticism for attempting to restrict media coverage of the protest. Intervention by farmer groups ensured reporters could continue their coverage. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shahabad Ramkumar emphasised that maintaining peace was the priority.
Pandher announced that a meeting of farmer groups will be held on Monday to reassess their strategy. “The ‘jatha’ has been called off for now, but the agitation will continue. After our meeting, we will provide updates through a press conference,” he said.
