The farmers on the Punjab side have gathered a large number of sand-filled sacks loaded in several tractor-trolleys which could be used to clear any hurdles in their way, such as iron spikes on the road or making a parallel passage through Ghaggar river by filling the pits dug by the police.
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the two main bodies leading the ongoing protest have declared that their march to Delhi on February 21 will be peaceful. In preparation for this, the farmers have made necessary arrangements. On the other hand, the Haryana police in Ambala district is fully prepared to handle any law-and-order situation and take action if the protesting farmers resort to violence.
During the first two days of protests at the Shambhu border on February 13 and 14, the Haryana police used tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and dyed water through cannon machines in response to the farmers’ attempts to break barricades or move ahead towards Haryana. While the farmers managed to break the first layer of concrete block barricading with their tractors, they were unable to proceed further due to the use of force.
On the eve of the mega Delhi Chalo march that was declared by the farmers after rejecting the proposals of the government, some young farmers on the Punjab side of Shambhu border brought modified poclain and JCB machines that are equipped with heavy iron sheets and nets to protect the machine operators from police interventions.
“Our protest will remain peaceful, and we will send farmers ahead in jatha to march forward. The police may use whatever excess or force they have, but we will remain peaceful,” said a farmer leader. In an official statement, the Ambala district administration assured that strict arrangements have been made by the police administration at Shambhu border due to the movement of farmers from Punjab to Delhi. The security forces are on high alert to maintain law and order. The administration also urged all parties involved not to engage in any activities that may disrupt peace and law and order.The situation remains tense at the Shambhu border as both the farmers and the police are prepared for any outcome. The protests continue as the farmers stand firm in their demands.
(With ToI inputs)
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