In the ongoing farmers’ protest, nearly 100 demonstrators have been hospitalized with severe injuries, and three farmers have suffered permanent vision loss from pellet injuries, according to multiple reports.
The three farmers, struck by pellets during the protest, have reportedly lost their eyesight due to the injuries inflicted as Haryana Police fired teargas shells and rubber bullets on the Punjab-Haryana border to deter the farmers from advancing towards Delhi.
Simultaneously, around 100 protesting farmers sustained serious injuries, including amputations, fractures, and head injuries, during clashes with Haryana Police at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, as stated by government officials quoted by Hindustan Times.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh disclosed that at least three farmers have permanently lost their eyesight due to police actions. He remarked, “The Haryana Police not only used water cannons and tear gas shells but also bullets and pellet guns.”
A Patiala-based senior ophthalmologist, choosing to remain anonymous, highlighted the risk of permanent eyesight loss for farmers with corneal injuries from bullet pellets.
Meanwhile, a total of 250 farmers have been injured on the Punjab-Haryana border, where clashes erupted as farmers, primarily from Punjab, faced tear gas and water cannons while attempting to breach barricades on their march to the national capital.
Among their various demands, the farmers are advocating for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Despite three rounds of discussions between three Union ministers and protesting farmer unions, no conclusive agreement has been reached. Union Minister Arjun Munda expressed optimism about the positive nature of the discussions, confirming that talks would resume with another meeting scheduled for 6 pm on Sunday. He assured that a resolution would be achieved through continued dialogue.