Haryana police use water cannon, teargas shells on protesting farmers ahead of CM Manohar Lal Khattar's Karnal visit

According to reports, protesting farmers gathered at Kaimla village where CM Khattar was scheduled to hold a Kisan Mahapanchayat rally.

ANI Photo

KARNAL: Haryana Police on Sunday (January 10) cracked down on farmers protesting against central farm laws at a toll plaza near Karnal ahead of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's visit to home constituency. Police used water cannons and lobbed tear gas shells at farmers who attempted to march towards Kaimla. The venue at Karnal, where Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar was to hold a 'panchayat' was reportedly vandalised by farmers who broke through the police cordon. Farmers stormed the barricades set up at Kaimla to oppose the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' event by the Chief Minister, which was aimed at highlighting the benefits of the three central farm laws. 

According to reports, the police fired tear gas shells and used water cannons to disperse the protesting farmers in the village. 

Karnal: Protesting farmers gather in Kaimla village where Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar will hold Kisan Mahapanchayat shortly.

Police use teargas to disperse protestors. pic.twitter.com/SxV5ivKKs9 — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2021

According to reports, protesting farmers also stormed and damaged the helipad in the village where the Chief Minister's chopper was to make a landing. Farmers were seen crossing the barricades despite the police using force to disperse them. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense in the area. Heavy security has been deployed at Kaimla village in Karnal district where CM Khattar is scheduled to address the event. 

A strong police contingent comprising four Superintendents of Police (SPs) and more than a dozen Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been deployed at different entry points to prevent the farmers' entry. Farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) have accused the Chief Minister Khattar for attempting to divide farmers by holding such meetings. The Karnal Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said strict action would be taken against the protesters if they tried to disrupt the Chief Minister's programme.

Several leaders of the BJP and its alliance partner, the JJP, have been facing protests for the last many weeks. Even recently Khattar's cavalcade was obstructed by protesting farmers in Ambala.

Farmers, who have been demanding that the government in the Centre withdraws the three farm bills, had earlier announced to oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat'. Farmers were carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village, said a report.

Police have put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the programme venue.