Today (Feb 18), marks the sixth day of the farmers protest at the Shambhu border. The farmers who left for Delhi march on February 13 but were stopped at the Shambhu border of Punjab-Haryana by the Haryana Police. The police used tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannon and other anti-rioting equipment to stop the farmers advance to Delhi. So far, one farmer and a sub inspector have died of heart attack during this movement.
In light of this, the Center has extended internet and telecommunication shutdown in 24 areas in parts of 7 districts of Punjab which are Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Mohali and Muktsar. Under orders from the Ministry of home affairs, the internet services will be suspended from February 17 to February 24 in the following areas:
- Shambhu, Julkan, Passian, Patran, Shatrana, Samana, Ghanour, Devigarh and Balbhera in Distt. Patiala
- Lalru in Distt. SAS Nagar (Mohali)
- Sangat in Distt. Bathinda
- Killianwali in Distt. Sri Muktsar Sahib
- Sardulgarh and Boha in Distt. Mansa
- Khanauri, Moonak, Lehra, Sunam, Chajli in Distt. Sangrur
- Fatehgarh Sahib in Distt. Fatehgarh Sahib
The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu border near Ambala since the start of the march on Tuesday, February 13. Talks between the union ministers and leaders of various farmers' bodies remained inconclusive, with the fourth round of talks scheduled today (i.e. Sunday). According to Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee secretary Sarvan Singh Pandher, the government had requested more time to discuss the matters with the union ministers following the last meeting. On the other hand, the BKU had said that the protest was going to intensify if the demands were not met in the next 2-3 days.