"Let them do what they want, we will find a solution."
Indian farmers protesting are using kites to counter state-of-the-art weaponry of the security forces trying to disperse them.
The kites are being used to ensnare drones carrying tear gas canisters.
For the past two days, thousands of farmers have battled with security forces approximately 125 miles north of Delhi after police stopped their march to the capital.
Farmers are demanding for the government to provide higher prices for their crops.
On February 15, 2024, representatives of the farmers’ unions met with government officials to reach a solution.
Farmers had brought their tractors and trucks along to the protest and have used these and other farm equipment as deterrents to the police station.
Jute vegetable sacks are soaked in water and used to contain the tear gas canisters while blowers disperse the fumes.
As well as the kites, Indian farmers are also using slingshots and flare guns to fire against the drones.
Sarvan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, said:
“Many people in this movement are veterans from the army, police or other forces, and they are suggesting ideas on how to minimise damage.”
Many servicemen in Punjab and Haryana turn to farming to make a living after they retire.
One protestor, Karampal Singh, said the police were “forcing” farmers to act this way.
He said: “Let them do what they want, we will find a solution.”
According to Indian media outlets, this is the first time that security forces had used drones to drop tear gas canisters.
In addition to sandbags and barbed wire, police have dug up strips of the road to Delhi and drilled nails into some stretches to stop vehicles from advancing.
Police are also using devices that emit high-pitched sounds to halt the protesters, and they have stocked up on lubricants to make the roads slippery in case the farmers try to advance on horseback.
Tackle Drones Carrying Tear Gas Shells with Kites#KisanAndolan2024 #KisanAndolan2024 #FarmerProtest #FarmerProtestInDelhi #FarmersProtest2 pic.twitter.com/H16HWrvC9A
— Arashdeep Singh Amitoj ? (@arashdeep_s) February 14, 2024
Police in Haryana said “comprehensive” arrangements have been made to enforce the law.
Senior police officer Manisha Chaudhary said:
“CCTVs and drones are also being used to help keep an eye on mischievous elements and miscreants.”
Indian farmers first protested in August 2020 against the government’s proposed agricultural laws.
After a year and a half, the government scrapped the laws and agreed to discuss other demands.
However, farmers are protesting again as the government has allegedly not kept their promises.
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