Patiala: Tear gas being used by security personnel to disperse the farmers moving towards barricades during their foot march to Delhi, at Shambhu border in Patiala district, Punjab, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. A jatha of 101 farmers on Friday began its foot march to Delhi from their protest site at Shambhu border, but was stopped a few metres away by a multilayered barricading. | (PTI Photo/Shiva Sharma)
Tensions flared at the Haryana-Punjab border on Friday afternoon as police fired tear gas at farmers participating in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march to demand a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and protection from rising electricity tariffs. The confrontation occurred at Shambhu border, along National Highway 44, where farmers faced off against multi-layered police barricades.
Visuals shared by news agencies depicted chaotic scenes as tear gas canisters enveloped protesting farmers in white smoke. In one video, gassed farmers retreated from the barricades, while barbed wire lined the road. A poignant moment showed an elderly farmer affected by the tear gas being assisted by fellow protesters. Despite the chaos, some farmers managed to breach the barricades, waving flags and chanting slogans as they pressed forward.
Over 100 farmers participated in the march, which began under heavy restrictions. Authorities in Ambala district suspended mobile internet services and bulk messaging until December 9, citing security concerns. Gatherings of more than five people were banned, and schools were ordered shut for the day.
What Is The Protest For?
The protest is a result of farmers’ longstanding demands, particularly for a legal guarantee for MSPs. MSP is the minimum price set by the government to shield farmers from steep market price drops, such as during a bumper crop season. However, MSPs lack legal backing, meaning the government is not obligated to purchase crops at the set price, leaving farmers vulnerable. The demand for MSP legislation has been a key issue since nationwide farmer protests began in September 2020.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Assures Govt’s Efforts On MSP
In Parliament, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured lawmakers that the government remains committed to purchasing crops at MSP. “This is the Modi government, and we will fulfil Modiji’s guarantee,” he said, taking a jab at the opposition by highlighting their past reluctance to adopt the MS Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations on MSP.
Chouhan stressed that the government has been procuring crops like paddy, wheat, jowar and soybeans at 50% above production costs for the past three years. However, this assurance has done little to quell farmer unrest, as their core demand for legalising MSP remains unmet. Today’s clash at Shambhu adds to the tension of ongoing farmer protests.
