Farmers marching towards Haryana CM's 'kisan mahapanchayat' tear-gassed; Khattar cancels meet after chaos
Teargas shells were lobbed at protesting farmers who were gathered in Karnal district of Haryana where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is scheduled to address a 'kisan mahapanchayat'. Water cannons were also used to stop farmers' march to the venue.
Haryana Police on Sunday used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesting farmers who had gathered in Kaimla village of Haryana's Karnal district where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was scheduled to hold a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' to highlight the “benefits” of the Centre's three agriculture laws.
While Haryana CM Khattar has cancelled his farmers' meet in view of the violent protests by the farmers, the protesters reportedly vandalised the stage at the venue of ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ programme at Kaimla village. According to a PTI report, farmers damaged the stage and broke chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue.
Earlier, police had used water cannons to stop protesting farmers from marching towards Kaimla 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
Police had made elaborate security arrangements for Manohar Lal Khattar's visit to the village where he was scheduled to speak to people to highlight the “benefits” of the Centre's three farm laws, news agency PTI reported.
Protesting farmers had earlier announced to oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat'. They were carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village.
Police have put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the programme venue.
Farmers, mainly from Haryana and Punjab are demanding the Centre to repeal the three farm laws. They have been protesting against the agri laws for over 40 days now.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)