Shambhu Border — Security personnel deployed at the Shambhu border, which separates Haryana and Punjab, fired tear gas shells on Sunday to disperse farmers who were attempting to resume their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march. The farmers, who had gathered at the protest site earlier in the day, were making their way toward the multi-layered barricades at the border when they encountered resistance from security forces.
The tear gas forced the farmers—many of whom were wearing protective eyewear and had covered their faces—to retreat a few meters. Some farmers were seen trying to shield themselves from the gas by using wet jute bags, an indication of the heightened tensions at the scene.
Earlier in the day, a group of 101 farmers had resumed their march to Delhi to press the government on several demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. However, their progress was halted at the barricades set up by the Haryana Police. Video footage from the area showed the farmers approaching the barricades and engaging in talks with the police, asking to be allowed to continue their march.
Haryana Police officers, stationed near the protest site, informed the farmers that they would not be allowed to proceed until their identities were verified. A police official told reporters, “We have a list of 101 farmers, but these are not the individuals listed. They are moving forward as a mob, without allowing us to identify them.”
The police also cited a prohibitory order issued by the Ambala administration, which banned any unlawful assembly of five or more people in the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
This incident followed a tense confrontation on Friday when the farmers had attempted to march to Delhi but were stopped by security forces at the Punjab-Haryana border. During that episode, several farmers were injured by tear gas shells. In response, the farmers suspended their march for the day.
Security Tightened Across Delhi Borders
Ahead of Sunday’s protest, security was heightened not just at Shambhu, but also at Delhi’s Singhu border, with Delhi Police being placed on high alert. A senior police officer confirmed that additional deployments would be made depending on the situation at Shambhu. Traffic disruptions were expected in Delhi due to these security arrangements, with a particular focus on border areas and central Delhi.
Similar measures were also in place at the Noida border, where another group of farmers from Uttar Pradesh have been protesting. The farmers had earlier attempted similar marches to Delhi on February 13 and February 21 but were blocked by security forces.
Farmers’ Demands and Grievances
The protesting farmers, organized under the banner of various farmer unions, have continued their demands for a host of issues affecting the agricultural community. Among their key demands are a legal guarantee for MSP, the waiver of farm loans, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, a halt to electricity tariff hikes, the withdrawal of police cases against farmers, and justice for those killed in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Additionally, the farmers have called for the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 farmer protests.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, speaking to the media on Sunday, confirmed that 16 farmers had been injured in Friday’s clash with Haryana police, and one had even lost his hearing due to the impact of a tear gas shell. Pandher criticized the government’s stance, stating that despite the ongoing protests entering their 300th day, the central government remained unwilling to engage in meaningful talks.
“The Modi government is in no mood to hold talks,” Pandher remarked, noting that no official communication had been received regarding any negotiations.
BJP Faces Criticism
Pandher also leveled strong criticism at the ruling BJP, accusing the government of using force to suppress peaceful protests. He called for opposition to the entry of BJP leaders into Punjab, citing reports that Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were planning visits to Amritsar.
“The BJP is exposed. The people are angry with this action,” Pandher said. “Farmers were not even taking tractors with them, so why were they stopped?”
Media Restrictions and Safety Concerns
Meanwhile, tensions extended to the media covering the protests. The Haryana Police issued a letter to their Punjab counterparts, requesting that media personnel be kept at a safe distance from the protest sites for their safety and to help maintain law and order. The letter noted that, during previous protests, media personnel had entered areas where their presence had caused difficulties for security forces.
Haryana Police suggested that reporters should remain at least 1 km away from the protest zones to avoid any disruption. Patiala Police, which is responsible for the Shambhu area, also urged media outlets to respect the safety measures and maintain distance from the protest.
Ongoing Protests as Farmers Push Forward
Despite the setbacks, the protesting farmers are determined to continue their struggle. Pandher confirmed that their resolve remains strong, even as they face opposition at every turn. As the 300-day milestone of their protest approaches, farmers are not backing down in their demand for justice and reforms in the agricultural sector.
The situation at Shambhu continues to unfold, with both sides standing firm in their positions. The farmers have vowed to intensify their protests, signaling that this issue is far from resolution.