As the farmers’ march towards Delhi persists amid inconclusive talks, the spotlight shifts to the distinctive gear employed during these protests. India Today’s Open-Source Intelligence team has diligently documented the array of heavy machinery and equipment in use, blending media coverage with on-the-ground insights.
The ongoing “Delhi Chalo” march has witnessed farmers devising creative strategies in response to police actions and sophisticated weaponry. From using kites to entangle police drones to employing toothpaste to counter tear gas, these tactics showcase the resilience of the protesting farmers.
On the Khanauri and Shambhu borders, on-site sources report the deployment of excavators, Poclains, Tippers, Hydras, and tractors. Farmers aim to breach Haryana police barricades using these earth-moving tools, as revealed in ground reports.
Reports suggest that vehicles such as tractors and trucks have been modified by farmers to be bulletproof, incorporating heavy metal sheets on tires.
Security forces on the Ambala side have strategically blocked highway bridges over the Ghaggar River, employing concrete blocks, iron wires, and trenches over the riverbed to seal all entrance routes. Additionally, sound cannons, emitting loud and potentially harmful noise, have been deployed by police for crowd control, raising concerns about potential hearing loss.
In anticipation of obstacles on main roads, farmers have brought trucks filled with sandbags to traverse non-motorable routes obstructed by police barricades and concrete blocks.
Farmers have showcased ingenuity in countering police tactics. Flying kites to entangle drones carrying tear gas bombs and using tennis balls as a countermeasure are notable examples. To counteract tear gas effects, farmers have turned to “multani mitti” and toothpaste for their cooling properties. Wet jute bags are also being used to neutralize tear gas shells.
Anti-riot gas masks have become a common sight among farmers, providing respiratory protection during confrontations. Bulletproof vests are donned as a precaution against rubber bullets fired by the Haryana police.
Internal reports suggest a significant gathering of nearly 14,000 farmers at the Shambhu border on the Rajpura-Ambala road, accompanied by around 1,200 tractor-trolleys and over 300 cars. Similarly, the Dhabi-Gujran barrier sees over 4,500 farmers with more than 500 tractor-trolleys. As the farmers’ march continues, the adaptability and resourcefulness displayed on the frontlines remain a testament to the determined spirit of the protesters.
