Punjab-based farmers, led by Sarwan Singh Pandher launched a protest against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) under the banner Desh Bachao Morcha (DBM) on Tuesday. The farmers gathered at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders for their march towards Delhi. In response to the march, the administration sealed the Shambhu border and imposed Section 163 in the area.
Farmers Rally At Kisan Ghat
Before marching to Delhi, farmers held a massive four-hour rally at Kisan Ghat. Farmer leaders
Said that they have not been consulted on the ongoing India-US trade deal.
Farmers fear that through this proposed agreement, cheap soybean, dry fruits, dairy products and grains from the United States will flood the Indian markets, which will cause huge losses to small farmers, labourers and local traders.
Heavy Police Force Deployed At Shambhu Border
Haryana Police have erected concrete barricades and deployed heavy security forces at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. A traffic alert has been issued in Delhi and surrounding areas due to the border sealing. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.
Traffic Blocked At Delhi-Katra Expressway
The administration has blocked the border with large concrete slabs and heavy barricades. Traffic has also been blocked on the Delhi-Katra Expressway by parking large trucks and trailers.
Additional paramilitary forces and Haryana police have been deployed for security. According to officials, no one from Punjab is currently being allowed to enter the Haryana border. A heavy police presence is also deployed at the Khanauri bus stand and surrounding areas. Police are constantly monitoring the farmers' activities and preventing them from moving forward. Despite this, some farmers managed to reach the expressway, but the police did not allow them to proceed further. The farmers remain peacefully seated there, awaiting further instructions from the farmer leadership at the Shambhu border.
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Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border Closed
Due to the closure of the Shambhu border, alternative routes have been established for vehicles travelling between Delhi and Punjab.
The alternative routes for vehicles travelling from Delhi to Punjab are as follows:
-Route 1: Ambala Cantt.-Chandigarh Road-Lalru-Dera Bassi-Zirakpur-Punjab
-Route 2: You can come to Punjab using alternative routes from Lalru or Dera Bassi.
Alternative Routes For Vehicles Going From Punjab To Delhi:
-Route 1: Rajpura- Lalru- Dera Bassi- Zirakpur- Ambala Cantonment- Delhi
-Route 2: One can also use alternative routes from Rajpura, Lalru, Dera Bassi to reach Ambala Cantt and then Delhi.
-In case of any emergency, please dial 112 to get assistance.
Section 163 Imposed
In order to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the general public at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (formerly Section 144 CrPC) has been implemented by the Ambala District Administration.
Keeping in mind the call for possible march of farmers to Delhi, the district administration and police administration have issued clear instructions that law and order will not be allowed to be disturbed in any way in Shambhu border and surrounding areas.
Complete Ban On Gatherings Of 5 Or More People
There will be a complete ban on five or more persons stopping, gathering or roaming around unnecessarily near the Haryana Punjab Shambhu border area.
It has been clarified by the district administration that these orders issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code will remain effective till July 27, 2026.
Strict legal action will be taken under the relevant sections against any person violating these orders or disturbing the peace.
What Did Farmers' Organisations Say?
Farmers' organisations say that the US-India trade deal could affect the agricultural sector and the interests of farmers. They have called for a march to Delhi due to this fear. On the other hand, the administration said that maintaining law and order is its priority and adequate security arrangements have been made to deal with any untoward situation.
Due to the increased security at the border and the ongoing farmers' protest, a tense but peaceful atmosphere prevails in the area. The administration is constantly monitoring the situation, while the farmers are awaiting instructions from the organisation regarding their next steps. During the last farmers' protest, the Khanauri border was sealed for 13 months.