Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Farmers marching towards Delhi on Friday faced tear gas deployment at Shambhu on the Haryana-Punjab border as they pressed for demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), waiver of farm loans, and protection from increased electricity tariffs.
Visuals captured chaotic scenes at National Highway 44, where tear gas enveloped farmers who clashed with multi-layer police barricades. Protesters were seen retreating amid the fumes, while an elderly farmer was attended to by others after being affected by the gas.
#WATCH | Farmers protesting over various demands have been stopped at the Shambhu border from heading towards Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Pm3HxgR2ie
— ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2024
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the matter in Parliament, reaffirming the government’s commitment to MSP purchases. “This is the Modi government… we will fulfill Modiji’s guarantee,” he said. He also criticized opposition parties, particularly the Congress, over their stance on the MS Swaminathan Commission recommendations regarding MSP.
Despite the government’s assurances, farmers have been adamant about the need for a legal framework ensuring MSP, citing vulnerabilities without legislative backing. MSP safeguards farmers against drastic price drops during surplus crop seasons but remains a non-binding policy.
Over 100 farmers gathered for the march today but were met with heightened security, including multi-layer barricades and suspended mobile internet services in Ambala district. District authorities had earlier prohibited gatherings and closed schools to manage the protests.
Videos from the protest showcased farmers breaking through some barricades while chanting slogans and waving flags, including the national tricolor. The demonstration echoes long-standing farmer grievances, which gained momentum during protests that began in September 2020.
The issue has also taken on political undertones, with opposition parties rallying behind the farmers. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla accused the government of failing to honor its commitments. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar added weight to the farmers’ cause, questioning the government on unfulfilled promises.
