Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal on Sunday with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' aimed at highlighting the benefits of the three Central farm laws.

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The venue at Karnal, where Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar was to hold a 'panchayat' was reportedly vandalised by farmers who broke through the police cordon.

Heavy security has been deployed at Kaimla village in Karnal district, where Khattar is scheduled to address the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'.

According to reports, the situation is currently tense in the area.

Police have put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the programme venue. The farmers were seen crossing the barricades despite the police using force to disperse them.

A strong police contingent comprising four Superintendents of Police (SPs) and more than a dozen Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been deployed at different entry points to prevent the farmers' entry.

The farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) have accused Chief Minister Khattar of attempting to divide farmers by holding such meetings.

"What was the need to hold 'mahapanchayat' when thousands of farmers have been sitting at the borders of Delhi for the past 45 days, demanding to revoke the farm laws," a protesting farmer said.

Farmers were carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village.

The Karnal Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said strict action would be taken against the protesters if they tried to disrupt the Chief Minister's programme.

Several leaders of the BJP and its alliance partner, the JJP, have been facing protests for the last many weeks. Even recently Khattar's cavalcade was obstructed by protesting farmers in Ambala.

(With agency inputs)