Farmers' Delhi Chalo Highlights: Farmers' third attempt for Delhi March foiled by Haryana Police; Pandher announces 'Rail Roko' in Punjab on Dec 18
Farmers' fresh attempt to march to Delhi was thwarted once again due to tight police arrangements. Speaking on the matter, Ambala SP Surinder Bhoria said the police tried to communicate with the farmers as their group approached but had to intervene when they attempted to break barricades.
Addressing allegations by farmers that chemicals were mixed in the water used by the police, the SP denied the claims, adding that the water used was clean and free of any substances. He said the police had no objection to the protest if it followed legal protocols. "We have told the farmers that they are welcome to proceed with permission, but if they break the law, we will not allow them to move forward," Bhoria added.
At Shambhu Border, after the return of the third farmers' convoy, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher made major announcements:
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has announced a statewide "Rail Roko" agitation in Punjab on December 18 to press for their demands.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal addressed the farmers, saying, "The lives of farmers are more valuable than my own."
He demanded the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission Report. Dallewal highlighted the alarming statistic that 7 lakh farmers have committed suicide so far. He sought immediate action to stop farmer suicides and bring reforms to support the farming community.
Kuldeep Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Shamsher Singh, Mukhtar Singh, Darshan Singh, Meehan Singh, Jwinder Singh, Jangeer Singh and Paramjeet Singh
A team of doctors is working to move Dallewal outside from the protest site as his health has become extremely fragile due to the ongoing hunger strike.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher made a significant statement regarding the failed third attempt of farmers to march towards Delhi. He stated that both farmer unions have decided to call back their groups. The incident resulted in around 17 farmers being injured during the confrontation.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher says, "...We want farmers from all over the country to raise their voice, if they do so, then all these things, including tear gas ,will be stopped and we will be allowed to go to Delhi and our demands will be fulfilled. The Haryana Police is misleading the public. How can 100 people walking on foot be dangerous for the country?..."
#WATCH | Shambhu Border: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher says, "...We want farmers from all over the country to raise their voice, if they do so, then all these things including tear gas will be stopped and we will be allowed to go to Delhi and our demands will be fulfilled.… https://t.co/wP3SWSprox pic.twitter.com/9C5Y80O9ul
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2024
Farmer leaders have alleged that the police sprayed chemical-laced water on them. They stated, "If water had to be used, at least it should have been clean. The police crossed all limits by using dirty water on the country's farmers."
Farmers allege use of rocket launchers, bullets
At the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border, Congress leader and wrestler Bajrang Punia says, "On one hand the government is saying that we are not stopping the farmers, but on the other hand they are using tear gas and other things. It is being treated as if it is Pakistan border. When leaders go to Delhi to protest, do they take permission?...Farmers only want MSP for their crops...We will always support the farmers. The government should fulfill its promises..."
Ambulances full, injured farmers being taken in private vehicles
#WATCH | Farmers' 'Dilli Chalo' march | Visuals from the Shambhu border where Police use tear gas and water cannon to disperse farmers pic.twitter.com/4d87fElxLZ
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2024
Haryana Police use tear gas as farmers attempt to break barricades; many farmers injured
#WATCH | Police use tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesting farmers at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border.
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2024
The farmers have announced to march towards the National Capital-Delhi over their various demands. pic.twitter.com/lAX5yKFarF
A confrontation took place between farmers and Haryana Police during their march towards Delhi. The police reportedly used water cannons to stop the farmers. Additionally, pepper spray was also used on the protesters to disperse them.
SSP Patiala and Patiala DC to visit Khanauri border shortly
Farmers and Haryana Police arguing; Ambala DC and SP say "They will arrange meeting with high-power committee".
Ambala SP says, "...if you want to go to Delhi, you should take proper permission and once you get the permission, we will allow you to go. There was a hearing in the Supreme Court yesterday...Instructions have been given to hold a meeting...The next date of the meeting is December 18. We appeal to you to sit here peacefully and follow the rules..."
As of now, farmers moving ahead are stopped by the police. "We should be allowed to go. It is our right to go to the national capital and protest, our voice should not be suppressed...," say farmers.
#WATCH | Visuals from Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as farmers' begin their 'Dilli Chalo' march. As of now, farmers moving ahead are stopped by the police.
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2024
"We should be allowed to go. It is our right to go to the national capital and protest, our voice should not be… https://t.co/nF8EiptIuY pic.twitter.com/2M3ZqvJvhW
Haryana Police stops farmers on bridge
Haryana Minister Anil Vij said the Supreme Court had advised farmers to suspend their protest for a few days. "In my opinion, farmers should respect the Supreme Court's recommendation," he added.
Farmers' Delhi March begins from Shambhu Border
Ahead of the farmers' march to Delhi, leaders have deployed rescue teams at the border to ensure safety. The farmers have announced this move using small loudspeakers. Additionally, stretchers have been arranged at the site to provide immediate assistance in case of any injuries.
#WATCH | Drone visuals from the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as farmers continue to protest over their various demands.
According to farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, a 'Jattha' of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi today at 12 noon. pic.twitter.com/ejAD3OSytA
A group from the Bhagat Dhanna Tarna Dal, led by Nighang, has arrived at the Shambhu border to extend their support to the farmers. The group has come to show solidarity with the farmers who have been protesting at the border since February 13.
A doctors team from the USA has released a video to provide an update on the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is currently on a hunger strike. In the video, they expressed concern over Dallewal's deteriorating condition, stating that it has become increasingly difficult for him to keep his eyes open.
"For the past four days, we have not been able to monitor his weight," said doctors, adding that a large team was working tirelessly to provide support, but due to the critical situation, proper treatment was not possible at the moment.
On Friday, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab and Central governments to provide immediate medical assistance to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The court said Dallewal should not be forced to eat and stated, "Dallewal's life is more important than the movement." The Supreme Court also urged farmers to maintain peace and instructed the police not to use force against Dallewal.
Reacting to the Supreme Court's statement, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, "The government has been asked to initiate dialogue and refrain from using force. Let us see how much of the Supreme Court's directive the government follows."
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border, is in critical condition. The team of doctors monitoring his health has warned that he could suffer a heart attack at any time, which might be a silent attack. Additionally, there is a risk of kidney failure, making it crucial to admit him to a hospital immediately.
Doctors have stated that his condition has deteriorated to the point where he is highly vulnerable to infections. His health is being assessed every six hours, but he can no longer even consume water. Essential elements in his body have drastically reduced, and his body has begun to consume itself, further worsening his state.
The Haryana Police have set up barricades on the bridge at the Shambhu border to stop the farmers from marching ahead. A shed has also been constructed at the site. Additionally, iron angles and mesh have been installed on the shed's roof to prevent farmers from advancing further.
Farmers from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh have also started arriving at the border to join the protest. Farmer leader Satnam Singh said, "The government should fulfill our demands. We have not come here to create conflict."
Farmers' Delhi Chalo Live Updates: A group of 101 farmers from the Shambhu border in Haryana-Punjab, who had set off for Delhi at noon, was forced to turn back after two hours due to a confrontation with the Haryana Police. The farmers were stopped by the police at the Ghaggar River bridge. After a brief confrontation with the police, the farmers attempted to break the barricades. In response, the police used tear gas and water cannons. As a result, 17 farmers were injured.
Farmers have alleged that the police fired rocket-launcher shells and used the dirty water of the Ghaggar River during the clashes. In preparation for the march, the Haryana Government had earlier extended Internet ban in 12 villages of Ambala district until December 18.
Meanwhile, at the Khanauri border, Jagjeet Dallewal, leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political), has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the 19th day. Farmer leader Sarwan singh Pandher expressed concerns about Dallewal's health, stating that while the entire nation is worried, the Prime Minister remains indifferent.
- PTC NEWS