Protesting farmers resumed their march to Delhi today, facing a heavy police presence and the use of tear gas at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab.
A group of farmers, equipped with protective gear, began their march to Delhi, with support from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
The police cast doubt on the identity of some protesters, claiming that some did not match the official list of participants and were proceeding as a mob. A farmer leader denied the police's list, asserting that they would present their identity cards to prove their legitimacy.
Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the government has not communicated any intent to engage in talks, signaling frustration among the protesters. The Shambhu border has been heavily fortified with barricades and spikes to prevent vehicles from crossing, according to visuals from the scene.
The Haryana Police has asked journalists to maintain a distance from the protest and stop reporting about 1 km before the border. Farmers are protesting for multiple demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm debt waivers, pensions for farmers, and no increase in electricity tariffs. Additional demands include the withdrawal of police cases against farmers and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
On Friday, the protest was temporarily suspended due to police tear gas shelling, which injured 16 farmers, one of whom lost hearing ability. Rakesh Tikait, national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, called for unity among farmers, stating they are divided and exploited, and vowed to continue talks with the authorities.
