"Farmers Attacking With An Army Of JCB, Tractor, Ration For Year": Haryana CM Khattar Questions Political Statements Made By Protesters

The farmers' protest in Punjab entered its third day, with the Haryana Police guarding the borders to prevent protesters from entering Haryana.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has criticised the farmers, stating, "We have earlier seen how protesters blockaded the Delhi border and how people were inconvenienced because of the year-long protest. This is not right to create an atmosphere like the farmers are attacking with an army of JCB, tractor, ration for a year and what not."

He further added, "Tractor is not a mode of transport. They can go to Delhi by using public transport -- train, bus. A tractor is for agricultural use. They should sit and talk," as per a report by Hindustan Times.

In support of the farmers' 'Chalo Dilli' march, a 'rail roko' protest took place in Punjab on Thursday (15 February), although the march has been halted at the Shambhu (Punjab-Haryana) border.

A video featuring farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal surfaced, in which he purportedly said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity has increased due to the Ram Mandir issue, and they aim to diminish his standing.

Reacting to Dallewal's comment, Khattar labelled it a clear political statement.

He expressed, "But will the people stop supporting PM Modi if such a huge protest is organised? The public does not support such a spectacle. What happened to the Red Fort last time? Does the country want all these?" 

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have increased vigilance at the border to prevent any further escalation.

Three Union ministers are scheduled to hold a third round of meetings with protesting farmers in Chandigarh later today to address their demands.

Also read: Farmers Protest 2.0: Government Grapples With WTO Pressure Amid Demands To Legalise MSP