The Haryana Police in Ambala district faced off with protesting farmers in a series of tense encounters but later decided to not invoke the strict provisions of the National Security Act (NSA), 1980 against farmer leaders and unions. This decision was made post reconsideration, aiming to ease tensions that had escalated during protests. IGP Ambala Range, Sibash Kabiraj, reached out to protestors, urging peace and lawfulness.
Police faced significant challenges as protestors made concerted efforts to push through the Shambhu Border blockade, with intentions to march to Delhi initiating from February 13, 2024. Violent incidents included stone pelting and property damage, leading to injuries among police personnel, and even resulted in tragic fatalities. Amidst these events, concerns were raised regarding provocative content being circulated on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram, potentially stirring discord.
In reaction to the unrest and property damage, the Haryana Police initiated procedures to seek compensation by targeting the properties and bank accounts of those identified as responsible for the disruptions. The measures were based on an amendment in the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and the Haryana Public Administration’s Property Recovery Act, 2021. Despite the contentious backdrop, authorities reversed an earlier decision to apply the NSA and halted actions under the Act.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha led a spirited response, declaring observance of a ‘Black Friday’ to mourn the death of a fellow farmer and announcing plans for a tractor march towards the national capital. The police, while acknowledging the incidents and confirming the injuries and deaths among their ranks, continued to express concerns over the potential incitement via social media and stood by the measures taken to ensure accountability for public property destruction during the protests.
On a responsive note, the Haryana Police delivered notices before the protests began, cautioning the unions of potential asset seizures should their actions lead to damage. However, following the tragic events and disruption, the police statement broadcasted there would be a suspension of the NSA order. Nevertheless, the struggle at the barricades remained a point of friction as both the government property and the resolve of the protesting farmers faced the heat of the confrontations.