Tear Gas Fired as Farmers Protest at Haryana-Punjab Border Over MSP, Loan Waiver Demands
Tear gas fired at farmers protesting for MSP, loan waivers, and protection against high tariffs
Farmers face tear gas at Haryana-Punjab border, demand MSP guarantee, loan waiver, and tariff protection
Farmers marching towards Delhi were met with tear gas at Shambhu on the Haryana-Punjab border on Friday. The protest, part of their Dilli Chalo campaign, is to demand legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP), a waiver on farm loans, and protection from higher power tariffs.
Chaotic scenes unfolded on National Highway 44, as police used tear gas to stop the protesters. Visuals showed smoke filling the air, farmers retreating from barricades, and barbed wire blocking their path. One video captured an elderly farmer affected by the gas being helped by others.
Before the march began, mobile internet services and bulk messaging were suspended in parts of Ambala district until December 9. Authorities also banned gatherings of more than five people and closed schools in the area for the day.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing Parliament earlier, reassured that the government is committed to purchasing crops at MSP. However, farmers argue that without legal backing, MSP remains unreliable. Currently, the government is not required to buy crops at the floor price, leaving farmers vulnerable to price drops.
The MSP issue has been central to farmers’ protests since 2020. They demand the government guarantee a fixed price to protect them during price crashes, especially in bumper crop years. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have supported their cause.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also raised concerns, asking why promises to farmers remain unfulfilled. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla accused the government of not honoring its commitments, fueling farmers’ anger.
Mr. Chouhan defended the government, stating, “We are already buying crops at 50% above production costs,” citing paddy, wheat, and soybean purchases. He criticized the Congress for rejecting recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Commission, which had proposed higher MSP.
Over 100 farmers began the march but were stopped by multi-layered police barricades, leading to a tense standoff. Videos showed farmers waving flags and chanting slogans, some breaking through barricades to continue their march.
The protest highlights farmers’ persistent demands for fair prices and economic protection.
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