
The ongoing farmers’ protest against the government has seen a fresh escalation as Haryana police fired tear gas shells to prevent farmers from continuing their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. This protest, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is a response to unresolved demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and various other farm-related issues.
The farmers, who had resumed their foot march from the Shambhu border, were met with a multilayered barricade set up by Haryana security personnel. Despite their peaceful attempt to reach Delhi, the police intervened with tear gas and water cannons as the protestors neared the border. The security forces argued that the farmers lacked proper permission to enter Delhi, and their efforts to march without this clearance were thwarted.
The protests have been ongoing for months, and the farmers have been camping near the Punjab-Haryana border. The primary issue at hand remains the demand for a legal guarantee on MSP, which is seen as essential for ensuring fair prices for crops. In addition, farmers are pushing for debt relief, pension schemes for agricultural workers, and the repeal of controversial laws they feel disadvantage them.
The tense situation has sparked a political debate, with various leaders questioning the government’s handling of the protest. Some farmers have expressed frustration over being stopped despite marching peacefully on foot, as opposed to earlier tractor convoys that were barred from entering Delhi. With the situation intensifying, both Haryana and Delhi police have tightened security across key protest sites, especially at the Singhu border, which remains a focal point of the demonstrations.
Despite the crackdown, farmer leaders remain defiant, vowing to continue their struggle until their demands are met. The authorities, meanwhile, have issued notices to media outlets, asking them to maintain a safe distance from the protest zones for safety reasons. As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the farmers’ movement continues to challenge the government’s stance, leading to further uncertainties in the region