Lathicharge, tear gas on farmers unjustified: Selja

Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has criticised the government for using tear gas and lathicharge to stop farmers marching peacefully to Delhi for a law guaranteeing MSP (minimum support price). Calling these actions oppressive, she said they were no solution to farmers' problems. Instead, she urged the government to engage in a dialogue with the farmers.

In a statement, Selja said a small group of farmers began their peaceful march from the Shambhu border after the police initially allowed them, but later imposed restrictions. When 101 farmers started walking towards Delhi, the police, following government orders, used force to stop them, including firing tear gas. Selja said this exposed the BJP government’s anti-farmer policies, which contradicted its claims of working for farmers' welfare.

Selja also criticised Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini for his remark that farmers marching to Delhi were from Punjab and that the Punjab CM should address their concerns. She called this statement irresponsible, emphasising that farmers, regardless of their state, have a right to voice their issues in a democracy.

She highlighted that the MSP demand was directed at the Central Government, not Punjab, and questioned Haryana’s actions to stop farmers from passing through. Blocking roads, digging trenches, and placing barbed wires are anti-democratic measures, she said, urging the government to immediately hold discussions with the farmers and address their demands fairly.