Chandigarh, Dec 8: Tensions flared at the Shambhu border, marking Haryana’s entry from Punjab, as 101 farmers attempting to proceed to Delhi were halted by authorities due to prohibitory orders. The situation escalated when police deployed teargas to disperse the protesters, whose names reportedly did not match the official list provided by farm unions.
Haryana Police cited security concerns and a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent the farmers from advancing, explaining that mass gatherings were banned in Ambala. Farmers, under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha banners, insisted on continuing their “Delhi Chalo” movement, advocating for demands such as a legal guarantee for minimum support prices, loan waivers, and agricultural reforms.
Farmers criticized the restrictive measures, equating the border’s security with that of the India-Pakistan frontier. Despite their insistence on their democratic right to protest, the Haryana government heightened security, deploying paramilitary forces and erecting multi-layer barricades. The confrontation followed earlier clashes, where several farmers sustained injuries, and internet services were suspended in parts of Ambala.
Persistent in their demands, the farmers expressed willingness for dialogue but resumed protests due to the absence of communication with the Central government. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the intention to restart their march to Delhi amid heightened security and preventive measures such as the closure of schools and bans on gatherings.
Previous rallies on February 13 and 21 were also thwarted at this border, highlighting this as an ongoing flashpoint for farmer-government tensions. Today’s events reaffirm the farmers’ resolve and the government’s focus on maintaining order amid the contentious protests.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/12/08/farmers-stopped-at-punjab-haryana-border-teargas-shells-fired/
Category : NATIONAL
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Publish Date: 2024-12-08 14:00:00
