The ongoing protest by farmers at the Shambhu border in Haryana escalated on Wednesday as they geared up to breach barricades using tractors and bulldozers. The police responded by deploying their own bulldozers and firing tear gas shells to stop the farmers’ advance. Tensions rose significantly at the site as both sides prepared heavy machinery in a show of strength.
Thousands of farmers have been camping at Shambhu border for several days now as part of their ongoing agitation over demands related to minimum support price (MSP) for crops. On Wednesday morning, they modified tractors by fitting gas masks and attempted to remove barricades erected by police to block their march towards Delhi. Seeing this, the Haryana police warned owners of earthmovers like JCBs and poclain machines not to provide their vehicles to protesters.
The police stated that such heavy equipment could potentially harm security forces and their use may invite criminal charges. However, the farmers were unfazed and remained determined to breach barricades using tractors and bulldozers. With the situation threatening to spiral out of control, tear gas shells were fired by police to disperse the protesters. But the farmers did not back down and continued reinforcing their positions.
The build-up of tensions has been gradual over the past few days. After stopping the farmers’ march with barricades recently, the police made major arrangements like placing concrete-filled trucks and buses as obstacles. Meanwhile, the farmers too have been modifying their vehicles and gathering tools that could help overcome barriers. On Tuesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court pulled up the protesters for using tractor trolleys on highways in violation of motor laws.
Top farmer leaders from unions like the BKU said they will continue their protest march to Delhi in a peaceful manner, despite provocations. They blamed the government if any violence erupts and stated that farmers will move forward regardless. With both sides refusing to back down and upping the ante with machinery, the situation remains volatile at the Shambhu border.
While the protesters want legal guarantees for MSP, the government has offered to discuss specific crops. However, the farmers’ umbrella organization SKM has rejected this conditional offer. Unless all demands are met, the stalemate looks set to continue. As tensions escalate on the ground, all eyes remain on whether the crisis can be resolved through further negotiations or if the deadlock deepens.
