Hooda Slams Centre Over Farmer Protests, Calls Border Blockade ‘Undemocratic’

Ex-Haryana CM urges government to resolve farmer issues, as protests intensify at Punjab-Haryana border

Rohtak (Haryana), December 17: Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticized the BJP-led central government on Monday for its handling of the ongoing farmer protests, calling the decision to stop farmers at the borders “undemocratic.”

Speaking to reporters, Hooda said, “The condition of Dallewal is serious. The government should pay attention and find a solution. Stopping the farmers at the border is undemocratic. Initially, they were asked not to come with tractor trolleys, and they agreed. Now they should be allowed to proceed. Blocking them like this is wrong.”

Protests at Shambhu Border Intensify

Farmers organized a tractor march to the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border on Monday, as they continue to press for their demands. The agitation escalated after violent clashes with the police in which 17 farmers were reportedly injured. The protesting farmers have reaffirmed their resolve to continue the demonstrations, including a ‘Rail Roko’ protest scheduled for December 18.

Government’s Response

Haryana Minister Anil Vij urged farmers to find alternative ways to express their grievances instead of causing inconvenience to the public.
“After permission from the administration, every organization can hold a protest. However, farmers should not block trains as it will trouble many people. They should find another way to protest,” Vij said in a statement.

Earlier, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed plans for intensified demonstrations. He announced that a tractor march would take place outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a large-scale rail blockade within Punjab two days later.

Pandher condemned the police’s use of force, describing it as “excessive”, and called on the Punjab government to ensure proper medical care for injured farmers.

Background

The protests have gained momentum amid unresolved demands from farmers, who are seeking fair policies and redressal of their grievances. The blockade at the Punjab-Haryana border highlights the continued tension between the government and farmer groups.