Farmer Leaders Deny Minister’s Assertion On ‘New Demands’, Protestors Clash With Police In Haryana — Top Points

Farmers' Protest: The Singhu and Tikri borders were sealed, and the Red Fort complex was temporarily shut following clashes between peasants and police at Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab.

Farmers' Protest: The Singhu and Tikri borders were sealed, and the Red Fort complex was temporarily shut following clashes between peasants and police at Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab. ( Image Source :PTI )

In the ongoing farmers' protest near Delhi, tensions escalated as farmers clashed with security personnel at the Punjab-Haryana border on Tuesday. Security measures were heightened to thwart a farmers' march from infiltrating Delhi. The Singhu and Tikri borders were sealed, and the Red Fort complex was temporarily shut following clashes between peasants and police at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab.

Multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls were installed at the Ghazipur, Singhu, and Tikri borders, with a significant deployment of security personnel in riot gear. 

According to news agency PTI, People had to traverse the Singhu border between Delhi and Haryana on foot on Tuesday as police impeded the movement of vehicles in anticipation of a farmers' march towards the national capital. 

The protest, led by various farmer unions, aims to pressure the BJP-led Centre into addressing key agricultural reforms. 

• Union Minister Thakur defended the government's stance, highlighting its efforts to engage with farmers. Thakur told news agency ANI, "Modi government has worked a lot for the promotion of the agriculture sector... When the farmers raised their demands, we immediately agreed to the discussion." Thakur urged protesters to refrain from violence and continue dialogue. More On It: On Farmers’ Protest, Union Min Anurag Thakur Says Orgs Raising ‘New Issues’, Slams Congress’s ‘MSP Guarantee’
  
  
• Responding to the government's position, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal emphasised the longstanding nature of their demands. "What we are stating is not a new demand... However, the government has shown no seriousness to date," Dallewal remarked, citing unmet promises regarding MSP laws and loan waivers. 
  
  Similarly, Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee reiterated the call for MSP guarantees and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report. More On It: ‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest: Farmer Leaders Deny Raising New Demands, Say Govt ‘Agreed’ On MSP Guarantee Law
  
  
• The Delhi Metro temporarily regulated passenger entry at nine stations, including Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk, as part of security measures. The commuters were permitted to enter or exit these stations through other gates, news agency PTI reported 
  
  
• Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora inspected security arrangements at border points, while the Delhi government rejected a proposal to convert Bawana stadium into a temporary jail.
  
  
• Special Commissioner of Police Ravindra Yadav issued a stern warning, instructing personnel to respond assertively to any attempt by protesters to breach Delhi's borders. According to PTI, the officer, stated, "Respond aggressively if the protesting farmers try to enter Delhi and show aggression."

• The Delhi government rebuffed the Centre's proposal to convert the Bawana stadium into a temporary jail in light of the farmers' march. Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot conveyed the denial of permission and expressed solidarity with the farmers' cause. 

• Earlier in the day, farmers faced tear gas shells, some reportedly dropped by a drone, at border points between Haryana and Punjab. Clashes ensued as protesters attempted to breach barricades installed to deter their movement towards Delhi. Following these clashes, the Tikri and Singhu borders were closed to vehicular traffic, causing significant disruptions. 

• Traffic congestion gripped the Delhi-National Capital Region, leaving commuters stranded for hours. The situation saw no improvement in the evening as visuals of huge traffic congestion surfaced. Meanwhile, the Red Fort complex was temporarily closed to visitors due to security concerns.

The Delhi Police have issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), prohibiting assemblies, processions, or rallies.

 

Reflecting on the 2020 protests, a senior Delhi Police officer stated that lessons were learned, leading to tighter security arrangements this time. Rural roads bordering Haryana were also sealed to impede protesters from advancing towards Delhi.