Clash at Shambhu border as farmers set march to Delhi, water cannon fired

Farmers resumed their 'Delhi Chalo' foot march on December 14 after violent clashes with Haryana Police, which resulted in at least 10 farmers being injured. A group of 101 farmers, part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, started their journey from the Shambhu border in Punjab, pressing the government to fulfill their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. This marks the third attempt by the farmers to march towards Delhi since December 6. Previous attempts were blocked by security forces on December 6 and December 8, resulting in clashes.

The farmers are demanding the legal guarantee of MSP, farm debt waivers, pension for farmers, and no increase in electricity tariffs. Additionally, they are calling for the withdrawal of police cases against farmers and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, in which several farmers were killed during protests. The farmers also want the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, which was amended by the government. Despite facing significant obstacles, the farmers have vowed to continue their protests peacefully until their demands are met.

Haryana Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the farmers at the Haryana-Punjab border, which led to at least 10 farmers sustaining injuries. The clashes caused the farmers to pause their march temporarily. Following the violence, the farmers regrouped and continued their march towards Delhi. Security forces have imposed multi-layered barricades to prevent the farmers from reaching Delhi. The Haryana government has also requested that the farmers obtain permission from Delhi’s administration to enter the capital.

To curb the spread of misinformation, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages of Ambala district from 6 am on December 14 until December 17. The affected villages are Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru. The suspension of internet services is part of efforts to control the situation and maintain law and order during the protests.

The Haryana administration has continued to enforce strict security measures, including setting up barricades at several points along the farmers' route. While the farmers remain committed to their cause, they have expressed frustration over the government's handling of the protests. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, criticized the government's efforts to prevent their peaceful protest and reiterated the importance of initiating talks to resolve the issues at the heart of the protests. Despite these challenges, the farmers have maintained a firm resolve to continue their peaceful demonstrations.

At the Khanauri border, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death for 19 days, demanding government action on the farmers’ issues. Reports indicate that Dallewal’s health has significantly deteriorated, with him losing 14 kilograms since the hunger strike began on November 26. His condition has become a key point of focus in the ongoing protests. The Supreme Court has directed representatives from both the Punjab government and the central government to meet with Dallewal and persuade him to end his fast. On December 13, Rakesh Tikait, a prominent leader from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), visited Dallewal to express solidarity and emphasized the need for unity among farmer organizations to strengthen their protest and put pressure on the government.