Ahead Of Manohar Lal Khattar's Visit To Karnal, Cops Use Tear Gas, Lathi Charge Farmers

Chief Minister is expected to speak of the benefits of the Centre's three farm laws passed in September, slogans of 'repeal black laws' raised.

 Ahead of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's visit to a nearby village, the Haryana police have cracked down on protesting farmers at a toll plaza near Haryana's Karnal. Cellphone footage from the spot showed police firing tear gas shells, water cannons at farmers who are trying to enter the Kemla village. Hundreds of farmers have gathered at the venue and are raising slogans to repeal 'Black Farm Laws'. A large number of farmers stood on the highway carrying black flags. Later, when they started marching towards the rally venue, the got into a clash with the police tear gas shells were hurled upon them. Police resorted to lathi cahrge when the situation seemed out of control. Some farmers had to hide in the fields to escape.

Haryana: Police use water cannons and tear gas to stop farmers from reaching the venue of CM rally at #Kaimla village of #Karnal pic.twitter.com/TtP5EDHLXv

— Tarun Mishra (@TarunMi74515970) January 10, 2021

The Chief Minister is scheduled to attend a farmers' gathering at the village and speak of the benefits of the Centre's three farm laws passed in September. According to sources, the CM's visit is likely canceled. Heavy presence of police personnel has been observed at the village ahead of the meeting. BJP-ruled Haryana had made headlines in November when it decided to stop the farmers on their way to Delhi from across the state as well as those in Punjab. For days, there have been reports and video footage of the police clashing with farmers, using batons, barricades, tear gas, and water cannons. Following the huge criticism, the Central government had decided to conduct a huge outreach program to dispel "misconceptions" about the laws.