Farmers suspend march to Delhi for the day after clash with Haryana Police

Police use teargas and water cannons against protesting farmers after offering tea snacks and a flower shower

SHAMBHU (PUNJAB): Agitating farmers protesting under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha suspended their foot march to Delhi on Sunday after a confrontation with Haryana security personnel. The clash at the Punjab-Haryana border left several protesters injured due to the use of tear gas shells and water cannons by police.

The farmers, who are demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), among other demands, had resumed their march earlier in the day after a brief suspension on Friday. However, their latest attempt to cross the Shambhu border was met with a dramatic mix of cordial gestures and aggressive police action. While some security personnel offered tea, biscuits, and flower petals to the protesters, the atmosphere quickly turned tense when farmers tried to breach the multilayered barricades.

The marchers, described by their leaders as "marjeevras" (willing to die for a cause), began their journey toward Delhi in a peaceful manner. They were stopped a few meters into their march by heavy barricading set up by Haryana police. As they reached the barricades, some officers atop tin sheds showered them with flower petals in an unusual gesture of goodwill.