Shambu: Protesting farmers suspended their foot march to Delhi after some of them were injured on Saturday in teargas shelling and use of water cannons by Haryana security personnel, who foiled the agitators’ third attempt in less than 10 days to cross the Punjab-Haryana border.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher claimed that 17 farmers were injured in the action by the Haryana security personnel. “The two forums (of farmers’ unions) have decided to call back our ‘jatha’ (group),” Pandher told reporters here.
“How are 101 farmers a danger to the law and order and peace of the country? You are debating the Constitution (in Parliament). Which Constitution allows the use of force against farmers,” he asked.
Security was heightened at Shambhu border after farmer leaders announced they would resume their protest march at noon on Saturday. Police had barricaded the border and multi-layer security was deployed to stop the protesting farmers. Farmers faced stiff resistance from police when they tried to proceed with the march taking down the barricades. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesting farmers.
The farmers said it was their right to protest and their voice must not be suppressed. “We should be allowed to go. It is our right to go to the national capital and protest,” said a farmer. However, police informed the farmers that they would be allowed to proceed with the march only once they are granted permission by authorities in Delhi.
A senior Ambala police official said, “If you want to go to Delhi, you should take proper permission and once you get the permission, we will allow you to go.” Police urged the farmers to wait until the next meeting of the High Power Committee appointed by the Supreme Court before proceeding with their march. “Instructions have been given to hold a meeting. The next date of the meeting is December 18. We appeal to you to sit here peacefully and follow the rules,” police said.
The farmers protesting under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha made similar attempts to march towards Delhi on December 6 and 8, however, they were stopped by police.
Besides MSP, the farmers are demanding waiver of farm loans, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2020-21, and “justice” for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
