India police use tear gas, water cannon to prevent farmers from getting into Delhi

Haryana and Punjab’s farmers launched the ‘Delhi Chalo’ campaign to protest against the new farm laws as set by the Central Government. Fighting all these tear gases and water canons, farmers from all over Haryana and Punjab have been able to set free and move towards the Capital as a part of their ‘Delhi Chalo’ campaign. The farmers have received widespread support from Haryana farmers and the President of Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Gurnam Singh Chaduni.

Statement from officials

Chaduni and senior farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal from Punjab have taken up the responsibility of leading the march via the Ambala-Delhi highway. In a statement, Chaduni said, “The farmers from Punjab are our elder brothers, they are our guests. Its our dharma to ensure their respect and security. Haryana farmers will clear all the barricades (police) and will clear the way succeed in our aim. First the younger brothers (Haryana farmers) will face the beatings (by the policemen), then the elder brothers (Punjab farmers) will come. Farmers from Haryana will be ahead in the march while the farmers from Punjab will follow them. We won’t throw stones, won’t abuse anybody or won’t indulge in any scuffle.”

As a sign of protest, thousands of farmers are moving from Panipat, Haryana, towards Delhi, pushing away multi-layer barricades that were deployed on the roads to hinder the movement.

Furthermore, to curb the protest, the Delhi Police have been using tear gas shells to prevent farmers from reaching the Singhu border, while at the Tigri border, police personnel used water cannons to prevent the movement. Rounds of tear gas were also used around the Singhu border on the protesting farmers.

Another group leads the way

While the farmers from Haryana and Punjab have to undergo so much, another group of farmers is also marching towards Delhi via the Delhi-Rohtak highway. This group of farmers have broken barricades and continued their movement during the night. The convener of Haryana Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, Mandeep Nathwan said, “Our stir will continue till the three farm laws, which are anti-farmer, are withdrawn.”

Opposition hits back at the government

Senior Congress Leader, Randeep Singh Surjewala also reached Panipat to show his solidarity to the farmers. He criticized the government for using water cannons on the farmers. He said, “Are these farmers criminals or terrorists? If the government with the help of black laws will snatch the livelihood of farmers, the Congress will stand by the farmers.”

MLA of Meham (Rohtak), Balraj Kundu, said that he would take up the responsibility for arranging food for all the protesting farmers at the farm house.