Farmers equip for Shambhu border breach: Gas masks, modified machinery

PTC News Desk: Farmers preparing to breach the Shambhu border are employing innovative strategies and modified equipment as they gear up to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Talks with the government regarding guaranteed crop prices have failed, prompting farmers to intensify their protests. After facing heavy police presence at the Punjab-Haryana border last week, protesters are now equipped with gas masks, fortified gear, and modified machinery to confront security forces and overcome barricades.

To prevent a recurrence of the 2021 farmers' protests, authorities have fortified highways leading to the national capital with various obstacles such as cement blocks, metal containers, barbed wire, and iron spikes. In response, protesters have brought excavators and JCB machines with reinforced cabins to withstand potential police actions like rubber bullets and shotgun pellets. Additionally, many farmers have fashioned rudimentary anti-riot shields and acquired gas masks to mitigate the effects of tear gas shells. They have also stockpiled thousands of sandbags to create makeshift paths through areas without barricades.

Concerned about the potential security threat posed by the modified machinery, Haryana Police have urged their Punjab counterparts to seize bulldozers and other earthmoving equipment en route to the interstate border. According to the Haryana DGP, these machines, including modified proclain (diggers) and JCBs, are intended to damage barricades, posing a significant risk to deployed security forces.

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In response to this request, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has instructed law enforcement agencies to halt the movement of heavy earthmoving equipment towards the Haryana-Punjab border at Khanauri and Shambhu by setting up checkpoints, conducting patrols, and taking necessary measures.

At the core of the farmers' protest is the demand for legislation guaranteeing minimum prices for their produce. They also seek fulfillment of promises to double their income, waive loans, and withdraw legal cases filed against them during the 2021 protests. Since being stopped by security forces on February 13, protesters have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab and Haryana border, demonstrating their resolve to continue their agitation until their demands are met.

Also Read: Farmers' protest | Seize earthmoving equipment at borders: Haryana DGP asks his Punjab counterpart

Also Read: Farmers’ protest LIVE UPDATES: Farmers to resume ‘Delhi Chalo’ march today; 14,000 people at Shambhu border

(Inputs from agencies)

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