‘Protester pays’: Haryana Police moves to seize farmers’ assets for vandalism

The Haryana Police on Thursday said two police officials died and over 30 have been injured in Ambala district during the farmers’ protest till now.

The police said that it would be taking action against protesting farm leaders under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980. A press release issued by the Ambala Police stated there had been persistent efforts by farmers to dismantle the barriers erected at the Shambhu border as part of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march.

The police reported incidents of protesters throwing stones at officials, destruction of public and government property, and attempts to disrupt peace and order. The confrontations have resulted in injuries to approximately 30 officers, including one with a brain haemorrhage, and the loss of two lives, the statement said.

The press release also highlighted concerns over the use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram by some farm leaders to spread provocative content aimed at disturbing harmony. In another press statement, the Haryana Police said that proceedings to seek compensation from farm leaders for damage to government property during the protests had been initiated.

Meanwhile, the farmers’ protest, which began on February 13, was put on hold on Wednesday for two days after a protester was killed and about 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri, one of the two protest sites on the Punjab-Haryana border.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher had told reporters at Shambhu that they will decide the next course of action on Friday evening, according to news agency PTI.