Farmers participating in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march on Friday, aimed at pressing their nearly five-year-old demands including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), faced a setback after police fired tear gas shells to block their path near the Shambhu border on National Highway 44. The clash left eight injured, with two reportedly in serious condition.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the police action, stating, “We were disciplined and peaceful, yet police used full force against us. We knew we couldn’t counter the force, so we have temporarily halted today’s protest.”

Pandher expressed deep disappointment, saying, “Modiji cannot justify these actions. Why are we being treated as enemies when Punjabis and Haryanvis have historically saved the nation from hunger?” He announced that the march would resume on Sunday, giving the government one day to initiate dialogue.

Chaos at National Highway 44

Dramatic visuals from the scene captured the chaos as tear gas shells enveloped protesters, forcing them to retreat. Barbed wire barricades and dented police barriers highlighted the tension. Protesters, including elderly farmers affected by the gas, were seen being assisted by others. Earlier, large groups of farmers waving flags and chanting slogans gathered near metal barricades, with some breaking past one layer to assemble on the highway.

Government’s Response

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing Parliament ahead of the protest, reiterated the government's commitment to MSP. “I assure the House that all farmers’ produce will be purchased at MSP. This is the Modi government, and we will fulfill our guarantees,” Chouhan said, while taking a jab at Congress for their past reluctance to implement MS Swaminathan Commission recommendations.

Chouhan highlighted that the government has been procuring crops like paddy, wheat, and soybean at 50% over the cost of production for the past three years.

Heightened Security and Restrictions

Authorities in Ambala district imposed several measures to manage the situation, including suspending mobile internet and bulk messaging services until December 9, banning gatherings of five or more people, and closing schools for the day.

Farmers' Demands and Historical Context

The ongoing protests focus on core demands such as a legal guarantee for MSP, loan waivers, and protection from increased electricity tariffs. The demand for MSP legal backing stems from the lack of obligation for the government to purchase crops at the floor price during market crashes, such as in cases of bumper harvests.

The protests, which have been ongoing since September 2020, continue to carry political significance, with opposition parties supporting the farmers. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also questioned the government this week, asking Agriculture Minister Chouhan why promises to farmers remain unfulfilled.

With tensions high and farmers resolute, all eyes now turn to Sunday, when the next phase of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march is set to resume.