Farmers Protest: Day 2 LIVE – Clash at Punjab-Haryana Border
Police Deployment and Security Measures
Protesting farmers, representing various unions, are set to continue their march towards the national capital today. Delhi Police have deployed personnel at the borders to maintain law and order amid the ‘Delhi chalo‘ call by the farmers. Thousands of farmers clash with police at the Punjab-Haryana border, initiating their ‘Delhi Chalo' march.
Security Measures at National Capital Borders
A massive deployment of police and paramilitary forces, along with multi-layered barricades, has been implemented to seal the borders of the national capital at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur.
Echoes of Past Protests
Reminiscent of the 2020–21 protests, farmers from Punjab face significant police resistance as they attempt to breach barricades en route to Delhi.
Heavy Security Cover in Central Delhi
Central Delhi has been placed under heavy security cover, with personnel in anti-riot gear strategically deployed and barricades regulating access to key roads.
Delhi Metro Regulation
On Tuesday, the Delhi Metro regulated passenger entry and exit at nine stations by closing some gates for several hours due to the farmers' march towards the capital.
Tweets by PTI_News
— PTI (@PTI_News) February 29, 2024
Police Action at Shambhu Border
Police deployed tear gas to halt thousands of farmers demanding minimum crop prices from advancing towards New Delhi. Drones were also used to drop tear gas canisters from the air at the Shambhu border near Ambala.
State of High Alert in Punjab
While the police are not actively impeding the movement of farmers towards Delhi from the state, Punjab has declared a state of high alert, with approximately 70% of the state police force instructed to remain on duty in the field.
Why Are Farmers Protesting?
Demands of the Farmers
- Farmers are staging a large-scale protest to compel the Centre to acknowledge their demands, including:
- Legislation to ensure a minimum support price (MSP).
- Enforcement of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.
- Pensions for farmers and agricultural workers.
- Forgiveness of farm debts.
- Justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Updates from the Protest Site
Amandeep Kaur's Statement
“We have come for MSP of our crops to demand compensation for our brothers who died in Lakhimpur (Kheri) and a loan waiver. Farmers should get a pension; we have come for our rights,” says Amandeep Kaur from Punjab's Khanna district.
Punjab's Objection to Drone Usage
Authorities in Punjab have raised objections over the use of drones by Haryana to air-drop tear gas shells on agitating farmers in their territory at the Shambhu border.
Meeting of Farm Bodies in Jalandhar
37 farm bodies, led by BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal, are set to meet in Jalandhar today amid the ongoing protest.
Top Developments: Farmers' Protest
Confrontation at Border Points
Farmers from Punjab encounter staunch opposition from Haryana Police at key border points, facing tear gas, water cannons, and other deterrents.
Breaking News: The Indian government announces the repeal of three controversial farm laws, a key demand of the protesting farmers.
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1757575195949170939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1757575195949170939%7Ctwgr%5E8ce0b1a6ad640742ef09dd288eb5dd8729c3bbdb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindustantimes.com%2Findia-news%2Ffarmers-protest-live-delhi-chalo-march-punjab-haryana-up-noida-kisan-andolan-today-14-february-2024-101707869200205.html
Casualties and Injuries
Clashes resulted in injuries on both sides, with reports of 24 police personnel and over 60 protesters wounded during the confrontation.
Traffic Chaos in Delhi
Delhi experiences traffic disruptions as stringent border checks and barricades, due to ongoing protests, lead to congestion near Singhu, Ghazipur, and Chilla border points.
Utilization of Measures
Authorities utilize drones, water cannons, cement barriers, and other tactics to impede farmer progress, escalating tensions as protesters retaliate.
Government Response
The Punjab government alerts hospitals near the border and increases ambulance presence, urging restraint from Haryana authorities in dealing with protesters.
Click for more updates and the latest world news, along with Web stories updates. Also, get the latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at Speed News
