Chandigarh, December 6 – Protesting farmers on Friday suspended their foot march to Delhi after clashes with security forces at the Shambhu border left six protesters injured. Tear gas shells were fired by Haryana Police and paramilitary personnel when the farmers moved towards barricades at the border, according to Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
The march, led by a group of 100 farmers under the banner Marjeevda Jatha, began at the Shambhu border but was halted a few meters in by multilayered barricades and prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and agricultural reforms. This Dilli Chalo march marks the third attempt by farmers to enter Haryana in the past 10 months, with earlier efforts on February 13 and February 21. The ongoing protest, which began on February 13, entered its 297th day on Saturday.
Farmer leader Tejveer Singh stated that a symbolic rope has been placed on the Haryana side of the border, allowing only the Marjeevda Jatha to proceed. Despite heavy police deployment at the border, farmers offered prayers to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, before continuing their protest.
Delhi Police have heightened security measures at the National Capital’s borders in anticipation of the farmers’ march. Meanwhile, Haryana Police justified their actions, citing the enforcement of prohibitory orders and the need to prevent disruption.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political), which organized the march, continues its push for their demands. “Our struggle will persist until we secure our rights,” said Sarwan Singh Pandher, reaffirming the movement’s resolve.
