Tensions Rise as Haryana Police Clash with Farmers Demanding MSP at Shambhu Border

The Haryana police took action by firing tear gas shells at protesting farmers gathered at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, where tensions have been escalating over demands for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural products. The farmers, equipped with gas masks, bulldozers, and heavy machinery, have been warned by the police about the potential criminal consequences of using such equipment against security forces. The police emphasized that providing services of machines like Poclains and JCBs to protestors could lead to serious legal repercussions as they could be utilized to harm law enforcement, constituting a non-bailable offense.

Despite police efforts to deter them with barricades and tear gas, the farmers have returned with modified machinery and makeshift gas masks. The government has also fortified the area with concrete-reinforced boulders, loaded buses, trucks, and shipping containers to prevent the farmers from entering the national capital. Additionally, the police have brought bulldozers to counter any attempts by the protestors.

Farmers' leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the peaceful nature of their movement, stating that any violence would be the responsibility of the government. Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the use of tractor-trolleys on highways by protesting farmers, citing legal constraints.

The Haryana Police has urged their counterparts in Punjab to seize bulldozers to mitigate potential safety risks. The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee of MSP for all crops, rejecting the Centre's offer of MSP on select crops for the next five years. The protest at the Shambhu border reportedly involves around 14,000 farmers, along with 1,200 tractors and 300 cars.