Haryana Police detain protesting farmers en route to Delhi

Detention of Farmers En Route to Delhi

The ninth day of the Farmer’s protest is marked with the detention of 80 farmers who were on their way from Manesar to Delhi by the Gurugram Police. The outfit planned to march up to the Prime Minister’s residence before they were detained. Dakshin Haryana Kisan Khap Samiti was behind the engineering of the same. 

The group has been staging protests in Manesar, demanding increased compensation for land acquisition. Displeased with the insufficient compensation provided for 1,810 acres across five villages in Manesar, farmers were gearing up for a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi today.

Upon being informed, the police issued notices to several protestors on Monday evening. However, disregarding the notices, the farmers assembled at the protest site this morning under the Dakshin Haryana Kisan Khap Samiti banner. To prevent them from reaching Delhi, over 500 policemen were deployed in Manesar.

Pradeep Yadav, the vice-president of the Khap, mentioned that the land had been acquired at a rate of Rs 55 lakh per acre. He further stated that their protest over the past two years aimed at securing a minimum compensation of Rs 11 crore per acre. Yadav noted that representatives from Punjab and Haryana had agreed to support their demand and raise it with the Centre during their ongoing negotiations. In return, the farmers agreed to participate in their march advocating for the implementation of the MSP law.

The protestors were coaxed to stop the protest but after about an hour or so of waiting without fruition, the police detained them and in two different buses took them to the police lines. They were also taken to Mansar’s DCP’s office, where they were let go at around 5.30.

Mahendra Singh, a leader, expressed concerns that the government aimed to exploit farmers by acquiring their land at significantly low prices. According to him, the farmers intended to peacefully march to Delhi today, but the government took a dictatorial stance, restricting their movement beyond Manesar. Santokh Singh, another protester, highlighted that the government’s actions stemmed from fear of the farmers’ movement. He emphasized that until the demand for MSP guarantee is fulfilled, the farmers’ movement would persist.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Surender Singh, Section 144 has been enforced in the Manesar area, with warnings that police will take action against anyone attempting to violate the order. Singh assured that vehicular movement remains uninterrupted between Delhi and Gurugram, affirming that the situation is currently manageable and under control.

Additional Updates on “Delhi Chalo”

On Wednesday afternoon, a protester died and numerous farmers sustained injuries as Haryana Police deployed tear gas shells at the Shambhu and Khanauri border. The senior medical officer at Patran hospital indicated that the deceased protester likely succumbed to a head injury at the Khanauri border.

DIG of Patiala Range, HS Bhullar, condemned the Haryana Police’s use of 14 tear gas shells without provocation as farmers began their march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border. Bhullar expressed his protest to the Haryana Police regarding the incident.

Conclusion

The ongoing protest, now on its ninth day, witnessed 80 farmers detained by Gurugram Police en route to Delhi from Manesar. Despite planning to march to the Prime Minister’s residence, they were intercepted. Discontent over land compensation in Manesar fueled the protest. The detained farmers were released after being taken to Mansar’s DCP’s office. Meanwhile, tensions escalated at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, resulting in one protester’s death and numerous injuries from tear gas shells. Leaders demand MSP law assurances, while discussions with the government continue. The situation remains tense as farmers gather in solidarity at various border points.