New Delhi: Shambhu Border News Today – Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced to temporarily call back the group of protesting farmers after clashes erupted at the Shambhu border on the Haryana-Punjab highway on Friday afternoon.
Condemning the government’s actions, he said, “The government is treating us like enemies. Tear gas is being fired. If the government wants, it can search us.” He said that 5 to 6 farmers had been injured during the march and were sent to the hospital.
Tear Gas and Barricades Halt Farmers’ March
Farmers marching towards Delhi faced tear gas and barricades at the Shambhu border on the Haryana-Punjab highway during their “Dilli Chalo” protest on Friday afternoon. They are demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), waiver of farm loans and protection against rising electricity tariffs.
Chaotic scenes unfolded near National Highway 44. Sites of clouds of white tear gas smoke were witnessed at the spot as farmers pulled back from the police barricades. Rolls of barbed wire were seen, and one elderly farmer, struggling after inhaling the gas, was assisted by other protestors.
However, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reassured Parliament earlier in the day about the government’s commitment to purchasing crops at MSP. He said that the government’s efforts to buy produce at rates 50% higher than production costs and took the opportunity to criticise the Congress party for not implementing similar measures when in power.
Clashes and restrictions
Over 100 farmers set out for the march but faced multi-layered police barricades on the highway. Some videos showed groups of farmers waving flags and chanting slogans while attempting to cross metal police barriers.
To control the situation, authorities in Ambala district suspended mobile internet and restricted bulk messaging till December 9. On Friday afternoon, the ban was imposed in Ambala’s Dangdehari, Lohgarh, Manakpur, Dadiana, Bari Ghel, Lahars, Kalu Mazra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur and Kakru villages.
Gathering in groups of more than five people was also banned, and schools in the area were closed.
Farmers’ demands
The group began their march at 1 pm, but after covering a few metres, they were forced to stop near the multi-layered barricading put up by the Haryana government.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called 101 farmers in the group ‘marjivar’. He criticised the Haryana government for not allowing them to march even on foot.
The farmers are protesting due to their long-standing demand for a legal guarantee on MSP, which is the minimum price set by the government to shield farmers from falling crop prices.
Although the government procures certain crops at MSP, this practice is not legally binding. Farmers want this changed to ensure they receive fair compensation, even during bumper harvests.
Where is Shambhu Border?
The Shambhu border is located on the Haryana-Punjab highway. It serves as a key point for farmers marching towards Delhi. The distance between the Shambhu border and Delhi is approximately 200 km.
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