Farmers have suspended their march to Delhi after 17 of them were injured due to police action at the Shambhu border, located between Haryana and Punjab. They will announce their next steps after an internal meeting.
Farmer leader Tejvir Singh confirmed the suspension, saying, "We have called off today's protest march as 17 farmers were injured. Haryana Police used heavy tear gas. We will announce our next plan after a meeting."
The protesting farmers, who have been demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops, began their third attempt to enter Delhi earlier that day. But soon after their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march began at 12 pm, Haryana police fired tear gas shells and used water cannons, blocking their path.
Police stated that the farmers did not have permission for the march. However, the farmers urged the authorities to let them proceed. One leader asked not to “suppress their voices,” according to reports.
Videos from the scene showed farmers holding flags as they faced tear gas and water cannons from the police.
Ambala SP told the farmers, "If you want to go to Delhi, you should get proper permission, and once you get it, we will allow you to go. A Supreme Court hearing was held yesterday. Instructions have been given for a meeting, with the next date set for December 18. We ask you to stay here peacefully and follow the rules."
Also Read: Farmer leader questions govt over peaceful protest crackdown
Congress leader Bajrang Punia criticised the government’s actions, saying, "On one hand, the government says it’s not stopping the farmers, but on the other hand, they’re using tear gas and water cannons. It feels like it's the Pakistan border. When leaders protest in Delhi, do they need permission? The farmers just want MSP for their crops. We support the farmers, and the government should fulfill its promises."
To prevent further disruption, internet services in parts of Ambala have been suspended from 6 am on December 14 until December 17.
Earlier, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher questioned the government’s reasoning for stopping 101 farmers from marching on foot. He called the action unjustified and urged the government to initiate talks to resolve the issues and prevent further escalation.
Also Read: Bajrang Punia questions tear gas use on farmers at Shambhu
The farmers' protest, which began on February 13 at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, centers around demands for a legal guarantee for MSP. The protest became more urgent after Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, began a hunger strike on November 26. His health has worsened, with reports stating he has lost 14 kilograms since starting the fast.
On December 13, Rakesh Tikait, another farmer leader, visited Dallewal at the Khanauri border to show solidarity. He also called for the unity of all farmer organisations to push the government for a resolution.
Tikait hinted that, unlike the previous protest against the now-repealed farm laws, farmers might try surrounding Delhi from the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) expressway this time.
The situation became tense when the farmers' march towards Delhi was met with tear gas, causing injuries. This led to the suspension of earlier marches. The farmers had also delayed their foot march due to concerns about Dallewal’s critical health.
Pandher expressed concerns about Dallewal’s health, acknowledging that no one wants to lose a family member, but emphasising that the farmers are fighting for a solution to their issues, which have caused many suicides.
He criticised the government's indifference and stated that while the protest would continue peacefully, they would not give up on their demands.
Also Read: Delhi march: Tear gas, water cannons used, farmers injured
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