Tension prevailed in Haryana’s Jind district on Saturday after a confrontation between police and protesters in Hansi, where farmers and khap representatives were stopped while attempting to proceed towards the town to protest against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Independence Day programme.
According to reports, the protesters were intercepted by police near Gulkani village in Jind district before they could enter Hansi. The confrontation led to a standoff, following which farmers and khap representatives blocked the road at Gulkani, disrupting traffic in the area.
The protest was linked to the ongoing agitation by farmers and khap groups over the murder of dairy operator Jeevan Kundu. The groups had announced plans to demonstrate during the Chief Minister’s Independence Day programme in Hansi, demanding the arrest of the prime accused in the case.
The situation escalated after police prevented the protesters from moving towards Hansi. Farmers and khap representatives then gathered at Gulkani and blocked the road as a mark of protest against the police action.
The developments came a day after farmers and khap representatives carried out a wider protest across parts of Haryana. On Friday, seven toll plazas in Hisar, Hansi and Rohtak were reportedly shut for nearly three hours as protesters pressed for action in the dairy operator murder case. The toll plazas were later reopened, although protesters warned that their agitation would continue if the main accused was not arrested.
The latest confrontation has added to tensions in the region during Independence Day celebrations. Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, particularly in areas where protesters have announced demonstrations.
The incident also highlights the growing pressure on the Haryana administration over the murder case, with farmer organisations and khap representatives demanding swift action. Their decision to continue protests during major public programmes has created an additional law-and-order challenge for the authorities.
As of Saturday, the road blockade at Gulkani remained the immediate focus, with officials working to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. The developments are being closely watched as farmer groups have indicated that their agitation could continue if their demands are not addressed.
The administration is expected to maintain security arrangements in sensitive areas while efforts continue to restore normal traffic and prevent further clashes between protesters and police.
