New Delhi, The farmers’ protest in India has led to nearly a hundred demonstrators being hospitalized with severe injuries, while three have tragically lost their vision permanently due to pellet injuries sustained during the protests.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the injuries occurred as the Haryana Police reportedly used teargas shells, rubber bullets, and pellet guns on the Punjab-Haryana border in attempts to stop the farmers from moving towards Delhi. The resulting clashes at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders have led to serious injuries among the protesters, which include amputations, fractures, and head injuries, as reported by Hindustan Times citing government officials.

Dr. Balbir Singh, Punjab Health Minister, revealed the grim news that three farmers have permanently lost their eyesight following the police actions. A senior ophthalmologist based in Patiala, who wished to remain unnamed, expressed concern about the potential for irreversible corneal damage due to bullet pellets.

In total, there have been 250 injuries reported on the Punjab-Haryana border where the conflict escalated as farmers, mainly from Punjab, were met with tear gas and water cannons while they tried to push through the barricades on their journey to India’s capital.

The farmers’ protest, which has been ongoing, includes demands for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), the enforcement of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, a pension scheme for farmers, farm debt forgiveness, the withdrawal of legal cases against them, and seeking justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.