After nine months of protest at the Punjab-Haryana Border, farmers have launched their march to Delhi, escalating tensions as they renew their demands for Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees, debt waivers, and pensions. A group of 101 farmers, under the leadership of the Smayukt Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, began walking towards Delhi from the Shambhu Border near Payiala-Ambala at 1 PM on Friday. They successfully crossed two barricades but were halted by Haryana Police and Paramilitary forces at a third barricade, preventing them from advancing further.
The farmers, determined to press forward, dismantled several barricades and cut through barbed wire fences, in response, Haryana police issued strong warnings, and tear gas was deployed to disperse the group. The standoff naked, a dramatic escalation, with farmers and police forces facing off directly.
However, later in the day, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher while talking to the media at Shambhu Border announced, "We have called off 'Jattha' and not the march (to Delhi). 6 farmers have been injured..."
Government responds with Tight security, Internet Shutdowns, and road Blockades
In anticipation of the protest, the Haryngovernmnet has taken significant measures to control the situation:
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Khanauri Border:
- The area is heavily fortified with 13 police companies, one CFPF company, and one BSF company, totaling over 1,500 personally deployed for crowd control and security.
- Several heavy-duty vehicles including three JCBs, water cannon vehicles, armored vehicles, and buses have been stationed to manage the situation.
- Three-tier barricades cover a 30 km stretch in the region to prevent farmer movements
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Shambu Border:
- This location has seen the installation of cent walls and three-layer barricading by Haryana police. Around 1,000 law enforcement officers from both the Haryana police and paramilitary forces have been stationed at the bridge.
- In addition to the growing tension, Haryana’s Home Secretary, Sumit Mishra, issues an order to suspend the internet services in 11 villages in Ambala, including areas near the Shambhu border, from noon on Friday to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Farmer’s reaction and call for Dialogue
As the police blocked the route farmer leader Swarn Singh Pandher expressed frustration stating that the farmer only sought a peaceful protest and requested permission to assemble at a designated spot such as Jantar Mantar and Ramleela ground. “The whole world is watching how we are being treated/’he said. Emphasizing that the protesters were following court orders. He also dismissed rumors that the farmers planned to carry weapons, affirming that only the small group would be marching, and no tractors or trolleys would be involved.
Phander urged the government to either allow their peaceful march to Delhi or initiate talks “If er are not allowed to proceed, we will strategize further and decide on our next move his evening” he added.
A Community on Edge: Ongoing Protest and Escalaing Standoffs
With the farmer's demands still unmet, tensions continue to rise along the border. The situation at the Punjab-Haryana border remains fluid, with both security forces and protestors bracing for further developments.
The protest which began in February with the demand for agriculture reforms and welfare provisions, shows no signs as the farmers continue their push towards Delhi determined to make their demands fulfilled.