Law Enforcement Deploys Tear Gas and Water Cannons Against Farmer Protesters at Shambhu Border
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Chandigarh, Dec 14 (NationPress) On Saturday, security personnel in Haryana launched tear gas shells to disperse a group of protesting farmers who were trying to cross the multi-layered barricades established as a precautionary measure at the Shambhu border point separating Punjab and Haryana.
The farmers aimed to reach the national capital to advocate for their long-standing demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops, a loan waiver, and reforms to enhance the agricultural sector's conditions.
The police, while attempting to persuade a group of 101 farmers that they lacked permission to enter Haryana and should return, also resorted to using water cannons for crowd control.
This incident marked the third attempt by these farmers to march towards the national capital as part of an ongoing protest that has now lasted for 10 months. They previously attempted to proceed to Delhi on December 6 and 8.
The protesting farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, both located in Punjab, since February 13, after security forces halted their efforts to reach Delhi.
Protest leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the Central government's silence regarding the farmers' demands, urging the government to engage in discussions with the protesters and warning that the movement could escalate.
He condemned the authorities for consistently obstructing their march and demanding that they seek permission from the Delhi administration. He questioned how a group of 101 farmers marching on foot could be perceived as a threat, highlighting their peaceful intentions.
As a precautionary measure amid the ongoing farmers' protest, mobile internet and SMS services have been suspended in several areas of Ambala district until December 17.
Another farmer leader, Jagjit Dallewall, has been on a hunger strike for the past 19 days to signify his peaceful protest at the Khanauri border.
Reports indicate that his health is deteriorating, having lost over 12 kg in weight during this period.
