• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Farmers converge at Shambhu Border for Delhi march.
  2. Protest against proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement.
  3. Heavy security, barricades, and some farmer leaders detained.

Farmers in massive numbers have reached the Shambhu Border ahead of their scheduled one-day march to Delhi on Tuesday to protest the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Videos from Punjab's Patiala side showed thousands of demonstrators gathering at the Punjab-Haryana border, where they are being met by a heavy deployment of security forces. Security has also been beefed up at the Singhu Border following march calls towards the national capital. 

Farmers Gather At Shambhu Border

According to news agency ANI reports, authorities have erected extensive multi-layered barricades across the highway to seal the border and stop the farmers from advancing toward the national capital. A day-long "Kisan Mahapanchayat" has been planned at Delhi's Kisan Ghat under the banner of "Desh Bachao Morcha".

Earlier on Monday, Jagran. com reported that the Haryana Police had installed extensive barricading at the Ghaggar bridge. To prevent traffic disruptions and stop farmers' convoys from entering Delhi, the administration has deployed many security personnel along with heavy machinery, such as JCBs and cranes, at the site.

Why Are The Farmers Protesting?

While National Highway-44 has not been completely sealed at this stage, the situation is being closely monitored. As part of administrative action, several prominent farmer leaders, including Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni was taken into custody on Monday. Meanwhile, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has clarified that their agitation is focused on getting the India-US trade deal cancelled.

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Pandher emphasised that the protest is directed against the policies of the central government, not against the Haryana government or the police. He assured that if they are stopped, the farmers will register their protest peacefully and there will be no confrontation with the Haryana Police. Farmers claim that the proposed trade deal would allow cheaper agricultural imports into India, affecting domestic farm incomes and the country's agricultural economy.

Amid these developments, concerns remain high that if the Shambhu border is completely sealed, serious problems could arise for commuters and local residents. Drawing on experiences from past agitations, there are fears that heavy pressure on alternative routes such as the rural roads via Ghanaur and the poor condition of those roads will cause significant difficulties for motorists.

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