Delhi Chalo: Farmers Begin Fourth Attempt, Haryana Deploys Barricades and Internet Shutdowns
In their fourth "Delhi Chalo" attempt, farmers from Punjab and Haryana face strict police measures, including barricades and suspended internet services. The protests aim to secure MSP legal guarantees and compensation for past victims, while tensions rise with authorities at the Shambhu border. Farmers vow to continue their peaceful march.
Farmers from Punjab and Haryana resumed their march to Delhi from the Shambhu border for the fourth time to press for their demands. More than 101 farmers from Punjab have joined the march, promising to proceed peacefully despite heavy police barricading, deployment of paramilitary forces, and road blockades with iron spikes.
The protest escalated into clashes at the Shambhu border where the police refused to grant permission for the march, forcing them to check identification details. The farmers, on their part, rebutted the police claims of lack of names in the list as they vowed to proceed with the march.
In an attempt to curtail communication and mobilization, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet services in 11 villages of Ambala till December 9. On Friday, police used tear gas and force to disperse protesters, and 16 farmers were reported to have been injured.
The march is part of the farmers' long-standing demands for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), compensation for families of those who died during previous protests, and justice for the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims. In addition, farmers are seeking pensions for farm workers, control on electricity tariffs, and changes in land acquisition laws.
Earlier this year, the renewed march marked the third failed attempt, where successive crackdowns on farmers meant they could not get any closer to Delhi. Still, the farmer leaders persist with the demand for dialogue and a resolution to their grievances.
