Battleground Shambhu: Tear gas, rubber bullets push back farmers

Nitish Sharma

Ambala, February 14

As farmers remain adamant to move towards Delhi, the Haryana-Punjab interstate border at Shambhu continued to be a battleground between farmers and the security forces for the second day today. Security personnel continued to use tear gas and rubber bullets to push back the farmers. Drones were also used to keep a watch on the protesters and drop tear gas.

The protesters have been using wet gunny bags, water spray, and goggles to reduce the effect of tear gas. Some farmers also used kites to combat the drones.

The DC, Dr Shaleen, said, “The agitators tried to move ahead by using a barricade of the Patiala police as shield, but they were pushed back and the barricade was removed. They also tried to used tractors, but were pushed back again. Only tear gas and rubber bullets were used to maintain the law and order situation.”

“No drone of the Ambala police has fallen due to the kites. The farmers are using banned Chinese strings, and the Punjab Police should take appropriate action,” said the DC. IG Ambala Range Sibash Kabiraj said a close watch was being kept on every activity.

The situation remained peaceful on the Haryana side. Some people had gathered in support of the farmers, but they were detained or chased away by the police.

Meanwhile, after staying away from the protest, BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh has called a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue. “We have come to know that tear gas and plastic bullets have been used. Farmers and policemen are getting injured. The government should show patience and not take such action. The matter should be resolved through dialogue. We support the demands of farmers,” he said.

Used Punjab Police barricade as shield

The agitators tried to move ahead by using a barricade of the Patiala police as shield, but they were pushed back and the barricade was removed. They also tried to used tractors, but were pushed back again. Only tear gas and rubber bullets were used. — Dr Shaleen, deputy commissioner