Farmers' protests in Haryana escalated significantly on December 11, as thousands participated in a tractor march across the Ambala district. This was organized under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, with demonstrators voicing their demands for legal guarantees on minimum support prices for their crops.
The farmers' march was set against the backdrop of tense confrontations with police at the Shambhu border, where earlier attempts to march to Delhi had been halted. Clashes between the two parties had left 17 farmers injured. The path to Delhi had been blocked following increasing anxiety from authorities about potential unrest as farmers continue their week-long agitation.
“Farmers should not block trains as it will cause inconvenience to many people. They should find another way to protest,” remarked Anil Vij, Haryana Minister, urging farmers to devise less disruptive methods for their demonstrations. This brings attention to the government's struggle to balance the rights of protestors with public convenience.
Looking forward, farmers have planned another tractor march on December 16, followed by what they describe as 'Rail Roko', scheduled for December 18. Leaders urge residents across Punjab to join these efforts, reinforcing local solidarity among farmer communities. “I want to appeal to the people of Punjab to participate in the ‘Rail Roko’ agitation on December 18,” stated Sarwan Singh Pandher, encouraging widespread engagement from nearby villages.
Complicatory measures by the Haryana government included the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk messaging for 12 villages to prevent the spread of information and maintain public order. Analysts warn such actions signal heightened governmental anxiety over the persistent unrest.
Farmers have been organizing their protests since February 13, setting up camps at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points after being thwarted from making their way to Delhi. Their continued effort to secure talks with the Central Government on agricultural policies demonstrates their resolve. They now demand concrete action before the annual budget discussions.
Calls for negotiations with the government are louder now than ever, with farmers adamant about achieving clarity on the price support regulations and other pressing agricultural issues they face.
Concluding this chapter of their struggle, farmers remain unwavering. Their commitment, regardless of governmental pushbacks, is seen as emblematic of larger issues facing the agricultural sector not just within Haryana but across India.
