"Farming Voices Silenced: Farmers' Delhi March Halted Amid Tear Gas Chaos"

The 'jatha' began its march from the farmers' protest site in Shambhu but faced an immediate interruption by Haryana security forces shortly after setting out. Tensions arose as authorities aimed to control the movement of the protesting group.

P24 News Media

December 08, 2024

1 minute

"Farming Voices Silenced: Farmers' Delhi March Halted Amid Tear Gas Chaos"

India

The 'jatha' recommenced its journey from the farmers' protest site in Shambhu earlier in the day but was swiftly obstructed by security forces from Haryana. On Sunday, the farmer unions opted to halt the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march after eight farmers sustained injuries due to the use of tear gas by the Haryana Police.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, a leader of the farming community from Punjab, reported that eight individuals were hurt in the incident, with one needing immediate medical attention at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.

According to reports from PTI, Pandher stated, "We have called back the 'jatha' (a group comprising 101 farmers)." He also mentioned that a forthcoming meeting of their collective forums, namely the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, would guide the farmers in determining their subsequent actions.

Earlier in the afternoon, the 'jatha' had resumed its foot march from Shambhu, only to confront a series of barricades set up by the Haryana security personnel. The authorities had previously indicated to the farmers’ organizations that any march towards Delhi would require permission from the administration of the national capital.

In a show of force, the police deployed tear gas shells and water cannons against the protesting farmers when they reached the barricades, further escalating the situation. The Ambala police reiterated that the groups advocating for farmers' rights may only progress towards Delhi if they secured the necessary approvals.

The group participating in the march has been referred to as 'marjeevras', indicating their readiness to sacrifice for their cause. Their objective was to secure a legislative assurance of Minimum Support Prices, yet they were halted just a short distance from their intended path.

A farmer, speaking to PTI, expressed frustration over their obstruction, stating, "They claim our names were not on the list. We are unclear about which list they are referencing. When we inquired if we could proceed after confirming our identities, they responded that we would then need to present the required permissions."

Another leader, Tejveer Singh, raised a critical question regarding the rationale behind the stoppage of peaceful protesters. "What concern does Haryana have with farmers moving forward?" he queried, emphasizing the non-violent nature of their approach.

The previous Friday, the farmers had encountered a similar situation, leading them to suspend their march as several individuals faced injuries from the tear gas offensive. The ongoing protests highlight the deep-seated tensions between the farming community and state authorities, as both sides navigate the complexities surrounding agricultural policies and farmers' rights.

The farmers remain steadfast in their demands, aimed at securing not only their livelihoods but also the assurance of fair pricing for their produce. As discussions continue within the various farmer unions, the outcome of their actions remains to be seen, as they seek both support and understanding from both state and national administrations.

The determination of these farmers, symbolized by their willingness to confront adversity, notably tears gas and barricades, paints a poignant picture of the struggle that defines their movement. Their collective spirit is unwavering, reflecting a commitment to pursue their cause vigorously, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead.