On Friday, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse Haryana farmers who were heading towards Khanauri on Punjab's border with the state. These farmers, predominantly from Punjab, had been camping at the site since last week following the halt of their 'Delhi Chalo' march by security forces.
Tensions escalated when protesters from Kheri Chopta village encountered police resistance on their way to Khanauri. Some demonstrators responded by hurling stones at law enforcement officers, leading to a clash between the two groups. In response, Haryana security personnel fired tear gas shells, resulting in injuries to both police personnel and farmers. Several farmers were reportedly detained following the altercation.
Golu Data, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) Hisar unit, criticized the state government for the police's use of force, alleging that authorities also employed lathi-charges and water cannons against the farmers. Farmers are now staging a sit-in protest against the police action, with a heavy police presence deployed to maintain order in the area.
The ongoing protests are part of the 'Delhi Chalo' march organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aimed at urging the government to address their demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and a farm loan waiver.
Following clashes earlier in the week that resulted in a protester's death and injuries to police personnel, farmer leaders had temporarily halted their march to Delhi. However, they indicated that they would decide on their next steps on Friday evening.
Despite the temporary halt in the march, thousands of farmers remain encamped at Khanauri and Shambhu with their tractor-trolleys and trucks, continuing to advocate for their demands. These demands encompass various issues, including the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm laborers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of past violence.
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