Bathinda: Haryana police thwarted farmers’ second attempt in three days to march toward Delhi by firing tear gas shells at the Punjab-Haryana border near Shambhu, leaving many injured. The leading farmer groups, Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, decided to pause their march for a day after the clash on Sunday.
Tensions escalated around noon when a second group of 101 farmers tried to cross the multilayered barricades on National Highway 44, pressing for demands such as a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP). Initially, police tried to pacify the protesters by offering tea, playing Gurbani hymns, and showering flowers from atop the barricades. However, when farmers attempted to dismantle the iron barriers, authorities resorted to pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons.
Protesters alleged that the flowers showered on them were laced with chemicals and that expired tear gas shells were used, presenting one as evidence.
Haryana Police Halt Farmers’ March to Delhi with Tear Gas and Pepper Spray
Farmers marching from Punjab to Delhi faced strong resistance from Haryana police at the border, with several injured due to tear gas and pepper spray. The protesters are demanding guaranteed MSP and a dialogue with the Union agriculture minister. While the march was temporarily suspended, it is set to resume on Sunday. A previous march attempt led to the death of one farmer.
Six Farmers Hospitalized Amid Clashes at Shambhu Border
The ongoing clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border have intensified, leaving six farmers hospitalized after police used tear gas shells on Sunday. Two of the injured were transferred to advanced medical facilities in Patiala and Chandigarh due to the severity of their injuries.
Tensions Rise at Shambhu Border as Farmers Gear Up for Delhi March
Farmers gathered at the Punjab-Haryana border are determined to march to Delhi today, coinciding with a Sikh martyrdom day, to press for MSP guarantees. The Haryana police have fortified the highway with barricades to prevent the march, heightening tensions. This marks the third attempt by the farmers to reach Delhi, following a prior effort that resulted in a fatality.
