Haryana Police Block Farmers Heading to Delhi Protest Over India-US Trade Pact
Haryana Police on Tuesday strengthened security at the Shambhu border on the Punjab-Haryana boundary, placing barricades and cement blocks to prevent hundreds of farmers from travelling to Delhi for a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' against the proposed India-US trade agreement.
The day-long protest, organised by the Desh Bachao Morcha at Kisan Ghat, saw farmers from various parts of Punjab gather at the border carrying flags of their organisations before attempting to set out for the national capital.
A large police presence was deployed along the border, and a bridge over the Ghaggar river was fenced off to stop the convoy. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher accused the Haryana government of blocking peaceful protest, calling it a violation of democratic rights. He alleged that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had failed to keep promises made to the people of Punjab.
Leaders earlier said farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other states were to participate. Hundreds had planned to travel by bus. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) leader Tejveer Singh claimed the border was sealed without prior notice.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after an NDA parliamentary party meeting, said the government prioritises farmers' interests. “The Prime Minister assured that the welfare of farmers remains paramount in any free trade agreement signed with any country, ensuring these agreements serve the best interests of both farmers and the nation,” Rijiju said.
The farmers' convoy began at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, where over 1,000 farmers stayed overnight. The convoy travelled via Madhopur near Sirhind before reaching Shambhu. In Kurukshetra, farmers also reported being stopped near Jyotisar while trying to join the protest.
Haryana Police issued a traffic advisory suggesting alternate routes for commuters between Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to minimise disruption. On Monday, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni was detained in Kurukshetra while travelling to Delhi for the Mahapanchayat. The outfit's spokesperson, Prince Waraich, alleged that several workers were detained to prevent their participation.
Farmers strongly oppose the proposed India-US trade agreement, claiming it could allow cheaper agricultural imports into India, reduce domestic farmers' incomes, and weaken the agricultural economy. They say the agreement could affect sectors including agriculture, dairy, industry, digital trade, e-commerce, government procurement, intellectual property rights, and services. Protesters have urged the Centre to abandon the deal, arguing it should protect farmers, agricultural labourers, livestock rearers, small traders, and ordinary citizens.
