After several farmers were injured when security forces fired tear gas shells, the protesting farmers decided to postpone their march to Delhi. For almost two years, farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu Border under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. On Friday, they called for a group of 101 farmers to march to Delhi on foot, demanding legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands.
However, the multi-layer barricading by Haryana's security stopped the 'group' just a few meters into the march. Water cannon vehicles were also deployed at the Shambhu border point. Haryana Police informed the farmers not to proceed, citing prohibition orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, restricting the assembly of five or more people in the district. Undeterred, the farmers attempted to forcibly cross the barricades but were halted.
Setting Out Without Tractors
Around 1 PM on Friday, 101 farmers embarked on foot towards Delhi, only to be stopped by Haryana police. Without tractors or trolleys, carrying only union flags, the farmers first broke through one barricade. Later, as they advanced towards the final barricade, the police deterred them. A heated exchange ensued between the farmers and police, who then sprayed irritants on the approaching farmers.
Subsequently, light tear gas canisters were fired, eventually escalating to heavier rounds by the Haryana police, injuring multiple farmers who required medical attention. Farmers retaliated by dismantling police barricades and dragging them towards their platform, concluding that they would attempt their Delhi march again on Sunday.
At Least Eight Farmers Injured
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated in the evening that tear gas shells injured at least eight farmers, two of them seriously. He accused Haryana's government of overreach towards farmers. The injured included farmer leader Surjit Singh Phul. Leaders claim that wounded individuals were moved to hospitals in ambulances present at the protest location.
Pandher referred to the group of 101 farmers as "Martyrly" (persons willing to die for a cause). He estimated more injuries may have occurred among farmers. He said, "Considering the injuries to some farmers, we have called back the 'group'. We appeal to the government to either dialogue with us or permit us to proceed to Delhi. They are treating us as if we're enemies from another country. Punjabis and farmers have sacrificed the most for the nation."
He condemned the
