In a tense standoff at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border, police clashed with protesting farmers as they marched towards the national capital on Tuesday. Tear gas was fired on the demonstrators in efforts to control the situation. Authorities had deployed various measures including concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, and barbed wires, along with police and paramilitary personnel at Kurukshetra in Haryana, anticipating the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by the protestors.
The deployment of 11 companies of security forces aimed to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety of citizens and smooth commuting. SP Jhajjar Arpit Jain emphasized the dynamic nature of the situation, indicating continuous monitoring to address any potential disruptions.
Meanwhile, Delhi police enforced Section 144, restricting the entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies into the city. DCP Dwarka Ankit Singh highlighted the use of social media monitoring and drones for effective security measures.
The Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) road experienced heavy traffic flow from Noida towards Delhi due to multi-layered barricades set up at the borders, preventing the protesting farmers from entering the national capital.
Earlier discussions between farmer representatives and government officials failed to yield a resolution. Union Minister Arjun Munda stressed the need for time and deliberation to address the farmers’ concerns, affirming the government’s commitment to dialogue.
#WATCH | Police fire tear gas to disperse protesting farmers at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border.
The protesters are demanding a law guaranteeing MSP for crops. pic.twitter.com/TRCI8gZ2M9
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024
The protesting farmers have presented 12 demands to the central government, including the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and a complete debt waiver. They also seek the reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 and justice for those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings.
Despite assurances from the government, the farmers remain adamant in their demands, insisting on concrete action to address their grievances. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, reflects their determination to pursue their rights and demands.
With tensions escalating and both sides holding firm to their positions, the possibility of a peaceful resolution remains uncertain. As the standoff continues, the plight of the farmers and the challenges they face in achieving their demands come to the forefront of national attention.
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