Farmer Protest 2.0
National/ Punjab desk
8 December
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The second group of 101 farmers heading to Delhi as part of the ongoing ten-month protest at Shambhu border faced strong resistance from the Haryana Police. Tear gas shells and water cannons were used to stop the farmers. After a four-hour struggle, the farmers returned to their camp.
During the clash, ten farmers sustained injuries, with one suffering a serious head injury and being admitted to a hospital. The next group’s departure has been postponed, and an announcement is expected on December 9.
The protest began with a send-off ceremony, where the farmers were supported and encouraged. However, their journey was disrupted upon reaching the barricades. Initially, the police welcomed the farmers, offering tea, water, and even showering flowers. However, tensions arose when the police demanded identification of 101 members from a list. The names read by the officers did not match the group, leading to a dispute.
As the farmers tried to remove the barricades, the police fired tear gas shells, forcing them to retreat. Despite this, the group attempted to proceed but faced another round of tear gas and pepper spray. Farmers accused the police of using pellets and anesthetic gas in the shells, causing injuries. To counter the tear gas, farmers used wet sacks.
After hours of confrontation, the group returned to the camp on the request of protest leaders. The leaders held a press conference, stating that the next group will not proceed tomorrow. Farmers continue to remain resolute, vowing to persist in their struggle despite the challenges faced.