On Tuesday, the situation at the Shambhu border near Ambala escalated as the Haryana Police took aggressive measures, including the use of tear gas shells deployed via drones, to disperse farmers marching towards Delhi demanding legislation on minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
The scene at the border turned chaotic as farmers employed tractors to remove cemented blocks placed by the police as barricades on the Ghaggar river bridge to impede their progress.
The Haryana police justified their use of tear gas, citing instances of protesters hurling stones at law enforcement personnel. "Stones were hurled at Haryana police by protesters, necessitating the use of tear gas shells to control the situation," stated a police spokesperson, warning against any disturbances and ensuring strict action against those causing disruptions.
Amidst the volley of tear gas shells, farmers improvised by covering the shells with jute bags upon deployment to mitigate their impact. Additionally, farmer leaders advised using wet clothes to counter the effects of tear gas exposure.
Initially, tear gas was deployed when a few individuals attempted to dismantle barricades on the Ghaggar river bridge. Despite police appeals to steer clear of barricades, many youths remained adamant, prompting further police action as more farmers converged at the Shambhu border.
The use of tear gas continued as some protesters ventured into nearby fields, with police resorting to drones to both monitor the crowd and deploy tear gas shells.
In response, protesting farmers criticized the Haryana government's tactics and reaffirmed their resolve to march towards Delhi until their demands, particularly MSP guarantees, are met.
The 'Delhi Chalo' march commenced on Tuesday morning following inconclusive talks with Union ministers over farmers' demands, including legal assurances on MSP. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha reiterated their intent to press the Centre for MSP legislation and other concessions.
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