India: Protesters clash with police in Haryana state amid planned march to Delhi November 26 /update 1

Event

Police fired tear gas and water cannon at farmers marching in Haryana state to protest recent agricultural reforms on Thursday, November 26. Farmer's organizations are holding a protest march towards Delhi on Thursday and Friday, November 27, disrupting traffic along highways leading into the National Capital Region (NCR). Several thousand farmers, mainly from Haryana and Punjab states, are marching by foot, or arriving in buses and tractors as part of the Dilli Chalo protest action. Reports indicate that the confrontation occurred when police attempted to stop farmers from crossing a bridge approximately 200km (124 miles) from Delhi in Haryana state. Some of the farmers reportedly threw police barriers into the river below, as police began firing water cannon and tear gas in attempts to disperse demonstrators. Police eventually allowed the marchers to continue towards the capital, following a two-hour standoff.

Protesters are staging roadblocks at several locations at entry points leading to Delhi; disruptions have been reported along sections of national highways 3, 9, 19, and 44 as security forces use water cannon and barricades to disperse demonstrators. Delhi authorities have also bolstered security along road borders and Delhi Metro train services connecting the city and the National Capital Region to other states are suspended through to at least Thursday as police attempt to disrupt the protest action, citing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) regulations on public gatherings.

The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) farmers' organization has also organized a demonstration in New Delhi on Thursday, through Friday, November 27. Participants of the demonstration are set to gather at Jantar Mantar as well as outside the residences of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and corporate businesses.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are likely in the vicinity of rallies taking place. Further unrest and clashes between protesters and security personnel cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Those in the area are advised to avoid the vicinity of the demonstration as a precaution, monitor developments, anticipate significant transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.