Haryana police deployed tear gas and water cannons against protesting farmers, despite earlier attempts to engage them peacefully with tea, snacks, and flower showers. The incident unfolded as thousands of farmers gathered in the state, demanding better compensation for crop damages and other agricultural demands.
Initially, the Haryana police had made attempts to diffuse the tension by offering tea, snacks, and showering flowers on the protesting farmers, signaling an intention for dialogue. However, the situation soon escalated when a group of protesters reportedly became unruly and began pelting stones and blocking roads. In response, the police resorted to the use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Eyewitnesses reported that while the initial exchange seemed conciliatory, the mood quickly shifted as tensions boiled over, leading to clashes. Several farmers sustained minor injuries, with a few others reporting the use of tear gas canisters in close proximity. Authorities have maintained that force was only used to restore order after efforts to control the situation peacefully failed.
The farmers have been demanding compensation for losses incurred due to recent weather-related issues and seeking improved support for their livelihoods. They claimed that their repeated appeals for government intervention had not been adequately addressed, leading to frustration and subsequent protests. The use of tear gas and water cannons, they argue, reflects a lack of genuine dialogue and engagement by the administration.
Haryana’s Home Minister defended the police’s actions, stating that the government had extended efforts to resolve the farmers’ issues and that the police were only enforcing law and order after attempts at peaceful negotiations failed. However, farmers remain skeptical, accusing the government of not taking their demands seriously.
The incident has reignited discussions about police handling of public protests, with critics arguing that the deployment of force could have been avoided had the administration taken more proactive steps to address grievances.