How Haryana Stopped 'Farmers Protest 2.0' In Its Track

The ongoing farmers' protest, primarily led by farmers from Punjab and Haryana, resumed for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday (17 February) since the commencement of the 'Delhi Chalo' march earlier this week.

However, when the farmers from Punjab were heading towards Delhi, they were halted at the Punjab-Haryana border by the Haryana Police, who used tear gas and water cannons on the protesters to stop them from continuing forward.

Amid heightened tensions, Haryana Police had already intensified efforts to seal borders with Punjab ahead of the anticipated march.

Earlier, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) had declared its intent to escalate the agitation further in the upcoming days, coinciding with a nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' observed by farmers' groups, trade unions, and other supporters.

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Subsequently, incidents of clashes occurred at the Shambhu border, where tear gas shells were fired to disperse protesting farmers attempting to breach barricades.

However, tragedy struck at the Shambhu border in Haryana as a police sub-inspector, Hira Lal, succumbed to a sudden health decline while on duty.

Despite medical efforts, Lal passed away at the Civil Hospital in Ambala.

In response to the ongoing agitation, the Haryana government had also extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts till 17 February.

It's important to note that the heart of the farmers' agitation lies in their longstanding demand for the legalisation of Minimum Support Price (MSP), particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where farmers heavily rely on government procurement mechanisms.

Recently, the third round of discussions between protesting farmers from Punjab and three central ministers had concluded after stretching well past midnight on 15 February.

After the discussions, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda had expressed satisfaction with the meeting, describing it as "very positive," with plans to reconvene on Sunday (18 February) evening.

For nearly a week now, the protesting farmers have remained stalled at the Punjab-Haryana border, yet to make their way towards Delhi.

In terms of preventing the continuing march, the Haryana government's actions seems effective in managing the situation at the border so far.

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