Amidst the persistent protests by farmers, primarily from Punjab, against the Central Government’s perceived indifference towards providing a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) and implementing other crucial agricultural reforms, the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ march has become a focal point of contention.
In a display of defiance and innovation, some young farmers have taken to the skies with kites in hand, utilizing them as unconventional weapons against the drones deployed by the government, specifically by the Haryana Police.
These drones have been dropping tear gas shells on the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border near Ambala.
The farmers’ ingenious tactic involves attempting to entangle the drones’ rotors using the long threads attached to their kites, symbolizing their resilience and determination to counter oppressive measures employed against them.
However, the confrontation escalated on a fateful Wednesday when security forces clashed with the farmers, resorting to the use of tear gas and pellet guns to deter them from marching towards the national capital.
The aftermath of the clash left many farmers injured, further fueling their resolve to continue their struggle for their rights and demands.
Amidst these developments, the government’s crackdown on social media accounts associated with the farmers’ protests has raised concerns about freedom of expression and access to information.
Over a dozen accounts, including those of prominent farmer leaders and organizations, have been withheld in India, ostensibly at the government’s request.
The withheld accounts, which include both X and Facebook pages, were integral to organizing and disseminating information about the protests. Among those affected are leaders like Sarvan Singh Pandher of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Tejveer Singh Ambala of BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Ramandeep Singh Mann (Farmer Leader), Surjit Singh Phull (BKU Krantikari), Harpal Sangha (Farmer Leader), Ashok Danoda (Haryana Farmer) Bhavjit Singh (@Tractor2twitr_P), Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Progressive Farmers Front, Mandeep Punia (Independent Journalist), Sandeep Singh (Independent journalist) Gaon Sawera (Mandeep Punia’s Page). Additionally, pages supporting the movement, such as @Tractor2twitr_P and Progressive Farmers Front,
These accounts played a crucial role in organizing and disseminating information about the protests, amplifying the voices of the farmers.
The timing of these actions, just a day before the scheduled start of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest, underscores the government’s efforts to stifle dissent and control the narrative surrounding the protests.
Additionally, heightened security measures at protest sites, including an extended internet ban in seven districts of Haryana until February 15 and multi-layered blockades at border points, further restrict the movement of protesters.
In response to the constant tear gas shelling by the Haryana Police, farmers have adopted innovative tactics, including the use of road-wipers typically employed during road macadamization.
These road air cleaners serve to alter the direction of tear gas smoke, providing a temporary shield against its effects and showcasing the farmers’ resourcefulness in confronting challenges during the protests.
These symbolic acts of resistance, coupled with pragmatic solutions, highlight the ongoing struggle of the farmers as they continue to demand their rights and push for meaningful agricultural reforms.