Farmers in Karnal march against Khattar’s ‘mahapanchayat’; police use tear gas, water cannons

Tribune News Service

Karnal, January 10

The police fired tear gas on farmers and used water cannons to disperse them, who on Sunday started a march on tractors, SUVs, cars and bikes towards Kaimla village to oppose Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s ‘kisan mahapanchayat’.

Scores of farmers have entered Kaimla village while the police continue to use tear gas shells.

Farmers were successful in crossing the first barricades installed at Gharaunda on Kaimla road.

BJP workers, led by local MLA Harvinder Kalyan, have also reached the fields near the helipad.

Karnal SP Ganga Ram Punia tried to pacify the farmers but farmers staged a dharna near the second barricades, as their leaders discussing further strategy.

The police have now parked trucks on Kaimla road.

Police from surrounding districts, led by four SPs and more than 12 DSPs, have been deployed at different entry points. The police have parked trucks and dumpers near the second barricades to stop farmers from moving ahead.

After being stopped by the police, scores of farmers started marching on foot, leaving their vehicles behind, to cross the barricades.

Amidst the chaos, farmer leaders appealed the protestors to maintain discipline.

When the situation got out of hand, police used tear gas shells to disperse farmers who were marching towards the venue. Some farmers were successful in crossing the barricades.

To stall the farmers, the police used water cannons.

Security has been tightened at Kaimla village in the district, where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is scheduled to address a ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ on Sunday to highlight the benefits of the three farm laws. Farmers from across the district are, however, adamant on opposing the event.

Some Kaimla villagers and residents of surrounding areas, including Kutail village of local MLA Harvinder Kalyan, today extended support to the protesting farmers at the Bastara toll plaza and said they would also oppose the CM’s visit.