Top News

Farmers To Take Out Tractor March On Dec 16, ‘Rail Roko’ On Dec 18

Mumbai:  Farmers protesting at Punjab’s Shambhu border in Patiala district called off their demonstration on Saturday after a confrontation with Haryana security personnel turned violent. The clash resulted in injuries to 17-18 farmers after police used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, speaking to ANI, accused the authorities of excessive force. “Chemical water was thrown at us using cannons. Bombs and tear gas shells were also used. Seventeen farmers have been injured, many seriously, and they are not receiving proper treatment in the hospital. We urge the Punjab government to ensure adequate medical care,” Pandher stated.

Upcoming Protests and Demands

Pandher also announced plans for further protests, including a tractor march outside Punjab on December 16 and a statewide ‘Rail Roko’ agitation on December 18. “We appeal to all Punjabis to participate in large numbers. The opposition must not limit itself to statements; they should press the Centre to fulfil farmers’ demands and stall Parliament on this issue as they do on others,” he added, criticizing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not raising their concerns in Parliament.

Police Deny Allegations

The Ambala police refuted allegations of using chemically laced water, insisting only plain water was deployed. Superintendent of Police Surendra Singh Bhoria clarified, “When this group arrived, we reasoned with them for nearly fifteen minutes. Some miscreants attempted to breach the barricades, leading us to use water cannons. The claims of chemical water are false and misleading.”

The clash occurred when 101 farmers resumed their march to Delhi around noon, only to be stopped at barricades erected by Haryana security forces. Tear gas shells caused several injuries, and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Earlier in the day, Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta and SP Bhoria had urged the farmers to obtain permission from Delhi authorities before continuing their march. Despite these discussions, the farmers insisted on proceeding.

Farmers’ Demands

The protesting farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are pressing the Centre for a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, among other demands. This marks their third attempt to march to the national capital after similar efforts on December 6 and 8 were blocked by Haryana authorities.

Meanwhile, the Ambala district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning the assembly of more than five people in the area. Police stated that the farmers would be allowed to proceed only after obtaining the Delhi administration’s approval.

Growing Tensions

The use of force and subsequent injuries have further escalated tensions between the farmers and authorities. As protests continue, the farmers’ demands for MSP guarantees and government dialogue remain at the forefront of their agenda. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

Follow us on TwitterGoogle News, and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.

Show More

Leave a Reply

Back to top button