Farmers from Punjab Protest at Shambhu Border, Encounter Tear Gas While Attempting to Overcome Barricades

Chandigarh, Dec 6 (NationPress) On Friday, law enforcement utilized teargas shells to disperse protesting farmers from Punjab as they endeavored to leap over the barricades established at the Shambhu border in an effort to proceed to Haryana on their path to Delhi.

A few farmers sustained minor injuries during the incident. Several of them attempted to scale the makeshift barricade, which was heavily monitored by paramilitary and police forces. This barricade was temporarily erected to restrict the movement of the protesting farmers.

Prior to the commencement of the march, mobile internet services and bulk messaging capabilities were suspended until December 9 in sections of Ambala district. Local authorities have already implemented orders prohibiting gatherings of five or more individuals, while both government and private educational institutions were closed for the day based on administrative directives.

Despite this, the initial group of 101 farmers successfully dismantled barricades, barbed wires, concrete blocks, and iron nails placed just before the barricade shed, which was protected by a robust welded wire mesh.

The farmers initiated their march towards Parliament at 1 p.m.

Law enforcement has been advising the farmers to retreat, indicating that they lack the necessary permissions to advance.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher remains present at the protest site but is not among the 101 farmers advancing towards the national capital.

In parallel, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Chaudhary, stated that the Centre is open to dialogue. 'Farmers are welcome to come and discuss. Our doors are always open for them, or if they invite us, we are also prepared to meet them... PM Modi has been working for the welfare of farmers from 2014 to 2024. His goal is for farmers to achieve happiness and prosperity,' the Minister affirmed.

The farmers are advocating for legal assurances regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, debt forgiveness, pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, as well as the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act.

To mitigate disruptions, the Haryana Police have heightened security at the Ambala-Delhi border, implementing multilayered barricades at the Shambhu border on National Highway 44, and have also positioned water cannons.

The Ambala administration has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people in the district.

Ambala Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria stated: 'We have arranged adequate security measures. We have urged the farmers to uphold law and order. They have been instructed to secure permission from the Delhi Police for their march. We will only permit their progress if the necessary permissions are granted.'

Previous attempts by farmers to march to Delhi on February 13 and 21 were thwarted by substantial security at the Punjab-Haryana border. Since then, farmers under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been conducting protests at these border locations.