Protesting farmers, undeterred by clashes with police at the Punjab-Haryana border, resumed their march toward Delhi on Wednesday after declaring a “ceasefire” following a tumultuous day marked by tear gas, water cannons, and clashes with police.
Echoes of the 2020-21 protests reverberated as thousands of farmers, primarily from Punjab, encountered a heavy police presence as they attempted to breach barricades en route to Delhi. The Haryana Police, determined to prevent their entry into the state, employed various measures, including drones equipped with tear gas canisters, water cannons, and concrete barriers.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is being led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, following inconclusive talks with the Centre. Their demands include a law on MSP for crops and loan waivers.
Here are the top developments in the farmers’ protest:
Farmers from Punjab encountered strong resistance from Haryana Police at two key border points. The police used tear gas, water cannons, and other means to prevent the protesters from advancing towards Delhi.
The clashes led to injuries among both the police force and the protesters. Officials reported that 24 police personnel were hurt, while farmer leaders claimed over 60 protesters sustained injuries.
Authorities deployed drones carrying tear gas canisters, along with water cannons, cement barriers, sandbags, and tyre deflators to stop the farmers. Despite appeals from the police, the situation escalated when protesters began pelting stones and tried to tear down barricades.
Demonstrating readiness for a prolonged struggle, the farmers came equipped with six months’ worth of rations and diesel, signalling their intent to not back down easily.
In light of the clashes, the Punjab government has put hospitals near the Haryana border on alert and increased the number of ambulances. They have also urged the Haryana government to refrain from using excessive force against the protesters.
Traffic chaos gripped Delhi on Tuesday as multiple layers of barricades and stringent border checks, owing to the ongoing farmers’ protest, resulted in blocked routes and massive congestion near Singhu, Ghazipur, and Chilla border points. The situation is expected to persist on Wednesday, particularly in North and East Delhi, with movement restricted to two lanes on the DND flyway. Singhu and Tikri borders are likely to remain closed today, according to a Delhi Traffic Police advisory.
Security measures are being intensified in Delhi in anticipation of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ March by farmer. Barricades and barbed wires, which had been erected at the borders of Delhi, are being reinforced after protesters were seen trying to break through the security cordon at the Punjab-Haryana border by lifting away cement blocks.