According to reports from the Haryana Police, the situation at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points grew tense as protesting farmers attempted to breach barricades, prompting the deployment of tear gas shells by security forces to disperse the crowd. The confrontation escalated when some farmers moved towards the barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala, leading to multiple rounds of tear gas shelling throughout the day. In efforts to control the situation, security personnel resorted to innovative measures, including the use of drones to deliver tear gas shells to disperse protesters at the Shambhu border.
In a separate development, Haryana Police alleged that protesting farmers encircled security personnel stationed at the Datta Singh-Khanauri border by igniting stubble infused with chili powder. This alleged act resulted in a violent altercation wherein 12 security officials sustained severe injuries. Haryana Police detailed the incident, stating that at the Datta Singh-Khanauri border, protesters besieged police forces from all directions, setting ablaze stubble laced with chili powder. Furthermore, they engaged in physical aggression against law enforcement officers using various implements like sticks and maces, along with hurling stones. The authorities urged the protesters to maintain peace amidst the escalating tensions.
The recent clash between farmers and police follows the resumption of the 'Delhi Chalo' march initiated by various farmers' groups on February 13, aimed at pressuring the Central government to address their demands, which include a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for crops and relief from farm debt. Concerns arose over the presence of heavy machinery, such as excavators and custom tractors, at the protest sites, prompting warnings from law enforcement to prevent potential breaches of barricades and harm to security personnel.
Meanwhile, the Central government issued an appeal to the protesting farmers to uphold peace and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, one of the three Union ministers engaged in discussions with farmers' leaders, extended an invitation for a fifth round of talks to address all pertinent issues, including those related to minimum support price (MSP).
