Haryana Police Fires Tear Gas as Farmers Resume Protest

Farmers from Haryana have once again resumed their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and other agrarian issues. The protest, which began at the Shambhu border, saw confrontations with Haryana police, who used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and prevent their march towards Delhi.

The farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are intensifying their demand for government action on critical agricultural issues. Despite previous setbacks on December 6 and 8, when their efforts to march to the national capital were thwarted by security forces, the farmers remain resolute in their cause.

One of the leading voices of the protest, Sarwan Singh Pandher, emphasized the urgency of addressing farmers’ concerns, pointing out the alarming number of suicides among farmers and laborers due to the worsening agricultural crisis. Pandher, undeterred by the police’s use of force, declared that the peaceful protest would continue until their demands are met. “Our fight is for justice, and if sacrifices are needed, we are ready,” he stated.

The protest comes in the wake of the deteriorating health of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26. Dallewal is demanding a legal guarantee for MSP, highlighting the growing frustration among the farming community.

In response to the escalating tensions, authorities in Ambala, Haryana, have suspended internet services until December 17, limiting communication during the protest. Clashes between farmers and security forces have already led to injuries, with one farmer reported to have lost hearing due to the use of force by the police. Despite this, the farmers’ march continues, with more groups expected to join from various regions.

This marks a critical point in the ongoing struggle for agricultural reforms, as farmers push for urgent government action to address their demands for fair pricing and better support for their livelihoods.