THE NEWS FREEDOM
AMBALA, FEBRUARY 13
Tensions soared along the Haryana-Punjab border and in Delhi as clashes erupted between police and farmers on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to farmers, journalists and police personnel. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse farmers protesting for guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, particularly at the Shambhu border near Ambala and in Jind. Approximately 60 farmers were reported injured, with some detained during the confrontations.
Live broadcasts captured scenes of farmers dismantling barricades while police deployed tear gas using drones. The government responded by extending the internet ban in seven Haryana districts, including Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, until February 15, citing the perceived tension from ongoing protests.
The situation escalated as farmers converged at entry points near Ambala and Jind, intending to advance towards Delhi to voice their demands. However, their efforts were met with resistance from authorities, leading to confrontations at the Shambhu border in Ambala and in Jind.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told reporters at the Shambhu border, “Today marks a dark chapter in India’s history. The aggression shown by the Central government towards farmers and farm laborers is deeply shameful.”
“We stand firm in our identity as farmers and laborers of this nation, advocating for our rights peacefully,” Pandher emphasized, reiterating the farmers’ calls for a legal assurance of minimum support price and debt relief.
While reacting to the farmers protest, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda emphasized the need for thorough consultation with all stakeholders before hastily implementing a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. Speaking to the media, Munda urged protesting farmer groups to engage in structured discussions with the government on this matter. He also advised farmers to remain vigilant against elements seeking to exploit their protest for political gain.
Munda, part of the ministerial delegation engaging with farmer groups, including Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha in Chandigarh, aimed to address their concerns. However, with talks inconclusive, farmer groups initiated their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Tuesday.
“While many demands were addressed during the discussions, certain issues remained unresolved. Dialogue is ongoing,” Munda stated regarding the negotiation outcomes.