Farmers stopped at Shambhu border during March to Delhi over India-US trade deal

Patiala, July 21

Thousands of farmers from across Punjab were stopped at the Shambhu border on Tuesday after Haryana Police sealed the border and prevented them from proceeding to Delhi for a proposed Kisan Maha Rally. The farmers had planned to travel by buses to Kisan Ghat to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher alleged that the Center had once again adopted an “authoritarian approach” by preventing farmers from entering Haryana despite their peaceful plans to travel by road. Pandher said earlier authorities had justified restrictions by claiming farmers were travelling with tractor-trolleys, but this time they were travelling in buses. He questioned under which law they were being stopped from using Haryana roads to reach Delhi.

He said the rally was being organized solely to oppose the proposed India-US trade agreement, which farmers believe could harm the interests of the agricultural sector. Thousands of farmers remained stationed at the Shambhu border, awaiting further directions from their leadership after being denied passage.