Farmers Call Off Delhi March for Third Time Following Police Action at Punjab-Haryana Border

For the third time this month, protesting farmers have called off their march to Delhi after a violent clash with police at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana left 17 injured. The police used tear gas to disperse the protesters on Saturday, escalating tensions at the protest site, where farmers have been camping since February.

“Haryana Police used heavy tear gas,” said farmer leader Tejvir Singh. “We will announce the next program after an internal meeting.”

The farmers’ primary demand is a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the implementation of the MS Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations for agricultural reforms. They allege that the central government has ignored their demands, with no negotiations held since February 18.

Police and Farmers Clash Over Protest March

On Saturday, a group of 101 farmers attempted to resume their march to Delhi, but heavy barricading and security measures stopped them at the Shambhu border. The Haryana Police cited a lack of proper permissions as the reason for halting the protest.

“If you want to go to Delhi, you should take proper permission, and once you get it, we will allow you to proceed,” said an Ambala Police official.

The authorities also urged farmers to wait until December 18, the scheduled date for the next meeting of a High Power Committee appointed by the Supreme Court to discuss agricultural issues.

Internet Services Suspended

To manage the escalating situation, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet and SMS services in parts of Ambala from 6:00 am on Saturday until 11:59 pm on Sunday. The affected areas included Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, and several villages near the protest site.

This is not the first time such measures have been implemented. The state had earlier suspended internet services from December 6 to 9 to prevent communication among protesters during their previous attempts to march towards Delhi.

Farmers’ Demands Persist

The protesting farmers demand stronger protections for their livelihoods, specifically a legally mandated MSP and broader agricultural reforms. Their previous marches to Delhi on December 6 and December 8 were also stopped by police, reflecting an ongoing standoff between the farmers and the authorities.

Despite the setbacks, the farmers remain firm in their resolve. A farmer leader announced that the next steps would be decided after internal discussions, underscoring their determination to press for their demands.

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