Farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ March Met with Police Violence in Haryana – 22 Injured

2024-02-13 21:45:50

New Delhi ∙ Police violence in Haryana against the farmers who started the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march with demands including increase in the support price of agricultural products. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the farmers, who created roadblocks with cement barricades, barbed wire, sandbags and even mortars. It is reported that tear gas was also used by drone. 22 people including 3 journalists were injured.

Farmers protesting in Amritsar, Punjab as part of the strike in Delhi. Photo by Narinder NANU / AFP

Thousands of farmers who were walking in trucks and tractors were stopped at Shambhu, Fatehabad and Jind on the Haryana-Punjab border. The violence was worst in Shambhu, 231 km from Delhi. The vehicles were seized by the police. Lathicharge was carried out including Jindil. In many places, farmers used tractors to break the barricades. The protesters have decided to stay at the state border for the night and move on after knowing the outcome of the negotiations with the central government. Haryana government has announced prohibition order in 15 districts.

When police fired tear gas to disperse the farmers who had gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border (PTI Pic)

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political Wing) said that they have stockpiled 6 months worth of food items and diesel and will not back down without accepting the demands. They will be discussed again today or tomorrow. The farmers’ march is demanding that the government promises to withdraw the farmers’ strike in 2021. The leaders sent a letter to the Prime Minister condemning the violence and making demands.

A farmer with a tractor arrived at the Punjab-Haryana border for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. Image: (PTI Photo)

Don’t stop farmers: High Court

The Punjab-Haryana High Court observed that the farmers should not be stopped and that they have the right to pass through Haryana. Notices have been sent to the central and state governments asking them to resolve the issue through discussion.

∙ ‘Congress will ensure minimum support price for crops legally if it comes to power’ – Rahul Gandhi

Concrete blocks are being erected across National Highway 44 at Sonipat Kundli on the Haryana border to counter the farmers’ strike reaching Delhi. Photo: Josukutty Panakkal ∙ Manorama is setting up concrete blocks across National Highway 44 at Sonipath Kundli on the Haryana border to counter the farmers’ strike that is reaching Delhi. Image: Josukutty Panakkal ∙ Manorama

English Summary:

Haryana Police stops farmers’ ‘Dilli Chalo’ march