New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Opposition parties have joined forces to back farmers who are protesting for long-standing demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and reforms aimed at improving agricultural conditions.

The farmers, predominantly from Punjab and Haryana, have initiated their 'Delhi Chalo' march from the Shambhu Border under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, seeking to draw attention to their plight.

On Sunday, the protest escalated as farmers halted their march after facing tear gas shelling from Haryana Police at the Punjab-Haryana border.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher reported that at least eight farmers sustained injuries, with one requiring immediate medical attention at Chandigarh's PGIMER.

The protesters initially commenced their march but were confronted by heavy barricades, including welded wire mesh, and faced resistance from security forces.

Opposition leaders have condemned the Central Government's response, characterizing the administration as anti-farmer.

In a statement to IANS, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed, "How disgraceful that this anti-farmer government continues to work against farmers' interests daily. They initially promised to double farmers' incomes before introducing three controversial laws."

Referring to past farmer protests against the now-repealed farm laws, Chaturvedi stated, "When over seven hundred farmers lost their lives, you labeled them as terrorists and anti-India sympathizers, yet they persisted and compelled you to repeal those laws. You promised them MSP upon withdrawal, which they have yet to receive, prompting their ongoing protests."

"What is your response? You deploy tear gas against them. You assault them. You inflict injuries. You prevent them from entering Delhi. You impose restrictions on them," she added.

Chaturvedi labeled the government's actions as shameful, stating, "What kind of disgraceful actions are these? While claiming to support farmers, they simultaneously undermine their interests. The Vice President has even scolded Shivraj Singh Chouhan for breaching promises made to farmers."

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari echoed these sentiments, calling the Centre's actions a breach of trust.

"This constitutes betrayal, a breach of trust, and a violation of commitments made by the government to the farmers, who are revered as the gods of the earth. A year-long protest saw 700 farmers perish. More than a year has elapsed, yet the issue of a constitutional guarantee for MSP remains unresolved.

"The government has failed to fulfill its promises and has betrayed the farmers," he stated to IANS.

He emphasized the farmers' peaceful protests and accused the government of avoiding dialogue. "Farmers are regarded as the gods of the earth, yet this government oppresses them with tear gas and water cannons in harsh conditions. This amounts to nothing less than betrayal," he remarked.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav criticized the government for being afraid of farmers and characterized their measures as oppressive.

"Barriers, nails on roads, tear gas, possibly rubber bullets -- this government's fear of farmers is manifested in their anti-farmer actions," he told IANS.

The response of Haryana Police to the farmers' march involved deploying multilayered barricades, water cannons, and paramilitary forces at the Shambhu Border on National Highway 44. The farmers attempted to breach the multilayered security, leading to the use of tear gas by the authorities.

Authorities also suspended Internet and bulk messaging services in parts of Ambala, imposed prohibitory orders against gatherings of five or more individuals, and closed schools for the day.

This protest follows earlier failed attempts by farmers to march to Delhi in February, reflecting their frustration over unaddressed demands. Despite repeated assurances from the government, the farmers' plea for a constitutional guarantee for MSP and other relief measures remains unmet. The use of force has only intensified their grievances and attracted widespread criticism from political leaders and civil society.