Hundreds of farmers from Punjab, en route to Delhi for a Kisan Mahapanchayat against the proposed India-US trade deal, were halted by the Haryana Police at the Shambhu border. The police also detained BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni and blocked highways to prevent the march.
The farmers, traveling peacefully in buses and private vehicles, expressed concerns that the trade deal would impact agriculture. Despite carrying only organizational flags and sticks, they were barred from proceeding. A protester at the Shambhu border vowed to stage an indefinite sit-in protest if not allowed to advance.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader from Punjab, criticized the Haryana government for barricading the border and obstructing their journey to Delhi. The rally, organized under the ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’ banner, aims to oppose the India-US trade deal, citing its potential adverse effects on farmers and the agricultural economy.
Security measures have been heightened in Haryana to avert any potential disturbances, with police sealing entry points and deploying forces to maintain order. The barricading of borders has led to traffic disruptions, prompting commuters to seek alternative routes for travel.
