Clashes Erupt Outside Sabar Dairy: Farmers’ Protest Turns Violent, Several Injured

What started as a peaceful demonstration by local cattle rearers quickly spiraled into chaos outside Sabar Dairy in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district today. The protest, driven by simmering discontent over milk procurement issues and cattle welfare concerns, escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving multiple people injured and more than 40 protesters in police custody.

Tension Boils Over in Rural Gujarat

For weeks, whispers of frustration have been growing louder among the dairy farmers and cattle owners who supply milk to one of Gujarat’s prominent cooperatives. Their core grievance? Allegedly unfair milk procurement rates, inconsistent collection practices, and a lack of support during times of distress—especially during fodder shortages and heatwave-related cattle deaths.

According to several locals who were part of the protest, they had repeatedly submitted complaints to local officials and dairy management, but their concerns had gone unheard.

“We rear the cows, feed them, take care of them day and night. But when it comes to valuing our effort, they treat us like we don’t matter,” said a visibly agitated farmer from a nearby village. “We weren’t looking for a fight—we wanted answers.”

Police Called In As Crowd Swells

On Monday morning, a large group of farmers, many accompanied by family members, gathered outside the gates of Sabar Dairy in Himmatnagar. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they demanded an immediate meeting with the management and better terms for milk procurement.

Initially, the protest remained peaceful. But as hours passed with no official coming forward to address the crowd, frustration turned into unrest. Some protesters reportedly attempted to block dairy transport vehicles, prompting police intervention.

Witnesses say the situation escalated rapidly when a scuffle broke out between a group of farmers and police personnel. Tear gas shells were reportedly fired, and batons were used in an attempt to disperse the agitated crowd.

Three Policemen Injured, Dozens Detained

By afternoon, the protest had transformed into a full-blown clash. In the chaos, at least three police officers sustained injuries and were later admitted to a local hospital. Protesters claim that some among them were also hurt in the melee, although no official numbers were confirmed.

More than 40 individuals, including several youth and elderly farmers, were taken into custody for allegedly disrupting public order, inciting violence, and causing damage to property.

Local Voices Speak Out

The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the treatment of small-scale dairy farmers and rural laborers in the cooperative ecosystem. Many locals feel that the state’s renowned dairy model has grown increasingly corporate and profit-driven, leaving behind the very communities that once powered its success.

“There was a time when being part of a dairy co-operative meant security, dignity, and fair returns,” said a retired veterinary officer from the area. “Now, it feels like we’re just laborers in a system that doesn’t see our humanity.”

Villagers from nearby regions have shown solidarity with the detained protesters. Some are planning follow-up meetings and rallies if their demands continue to be sidelined.

Government Response and Path Forward

Local authorities have remained tight-lipped since the clash. However, late in the evening, a district official confirmed that efforts are being made to mediate between the dairy management and farmer representatives to de-escalate tensions.

“We understand the farmers’ concerns and are working to ensure both sides come to a peaceful resolution. Violence is never the answer, but neither is silence,” the official stated.

Meanwhile, activists and farmer unions are urging the government to not only release the detained individuals but also launch an inquiry into the events leading up to the protest.

A Wake-Up Call?

For many in Sabarkantha, today’s incident is more than just a local clash—it’s a wake-up call about the widening disconnect between grassroots agricultural communities and institutional decision-makers.

The bruises on both sides may heal, but unless there’s genuine dialogue, trust, and reform, the wounds left behind in Gujarat’s dairy heartland may fester long after the news cameras are gone.