Scores of farmers from Punjab remained stationed at the borders of the state and Haryana on Wednesday, while security forces deployed tear gas shells on protesters at the Shambhu border near Ambala.
As farmers gathered to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest, leaders planned to hold a meeting before attempting to break through barricades at the Shambhu border in their march towards Delhi.
With farmers from various parts of Punjab joining the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, numerous tractor-trailers lined the national highway on the Punjab side.
Protesting farmers aimed to breach multiple layers of barricades at the Haryana border.
Haryana security personnel fired tear gas shells on Wednesday morning after farmers gathered near the barricades at the Shambhu border, according to protesters.
Despite facing tear gas shells, farmers prepared tractors to remove the barricades and arranged water tankers to counter the effects of tear gas.
Some protesters wore protective gear and goggles at the Shambhu border, where many reported injuries and respiratory issues due to tear gas exposure.
A protesting farmer criticized the BJP-led government for prioritizing corporate debt relief over farmers’ demands, particularly for a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP).
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher condemned police action against protesters, highlighting injuries sustained by many farmers.
Pandher urged the government to create a positive atmosphere and address their demands, emphasizing the need for MSP legislation.
He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue if invited by the government but stressed their primary goal was to have their demands met without confrontation.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi inquired about an injured farmer’s health during a visit to a hospital in Rajpura, facilitated by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
Punjab authorities objected to Haryana’s use of a drone to deploy tear gas shells within Punjab territory, as reported by a senior official.
On Tuesday, farmers clashed with Haryana Police at border points between the states, facing tear gas and water cannons as they attempted to break barricades on their march to Delhi.
Following Tuesday’s confrontation, farmer leaders called off the protest for the day but planned to resume from Shambhu on Wednesday.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to pressure the government on demands including MSP legislation and loan waivers.
During a protest on February 13, farmers removed barricades and iron nails with tractors at the Shambhu border, resulting in injuries to 24 police personnel.
The Haryana government extended suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services in seven districts till February 15.
