Chandigarh/Gurugram6 minutes ago
Farmers from Punjab have announced a march to Delhi on Tuesday in protest against the proposed India–US trade deal, leading to heightened security across Haryana. Large numbers of farmers gathered at the Shambhu border, prompting Haryana Police to seal the crossing and deploy heavy security personnel to prevent protesters from moving towards the national capital.
The state government has also tightened security in view of the Cockroach Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar and the farmers’ nationwide Mahapanchayat against the proposed free trade agreement.
Heavy security at Shambhu Border
Police have erected multiple barricades at the Shambhu border and stationed JCB machines to block any attempt by protesters to move forward. Farmer leader Tejbir Singh said barricades had been put in place at the Shambhu border, while the Khanauri border has also been closed.
He said farmers from Haryana districts including Pehowa, Ambala and Kurukshetra would march towards Delhi from the Haryana side, while farmers from Punjab would assemble at the Shambhu border.
PHOTOS of farmers and barricading at Shambhu Border-
Farmers reached Shambhu border carrying flags.
Farmers have reached the border in buses and vehicles.
Police have completely closed the road by placing cement barricades on the bridge.
Heavy police force has been deployed on the bridge.
Police personnel deployed on the bridge to stop farmers from advancing.
Haryana seals Delhi and UP borders
The Haryana government has sealed all major border points connecting the state with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh as a precautionary measure.
Security has also been stepped up on routes leading from Gurugram into Delhi, where both Haryana and Delhi Police are conducting intensive vehicle checks. Several farmer leaders have reportedly been detained as part of the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, a group of farmers from Yamunanagar left for Delhi early on Tuesday to participate in the Mahapanchayat. Farmer leaders alleged that the government was attempting to stop them from reaching the capital, leading to brief arguments with police personnel.
Students of the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Kanina Mandi, Mahendragarh district allegedly raised slogans in support of Sonam Wangchuk and against the BJP. Following the incident, the school’s principal, Naresh Kumar, was suspended by the authorities.
Ambala police issues traffic advisory
To minimise disruption for commuters, Ambala Police has issued a traffic advisory urging travellers to use alternative routes. Vehicles travelling from Delhi to Punjab via Ambala have been advised to use the Ambala Cantonment–Lalru–Dera Bassi–Zirakpur route.
Those travelling from Punjab to Delhi via Ambala have been advised to use the Rajpura–Lalru–Dera Bassi–Zirakpur route or travel via Ambala Cantonment. Police have appealed to the public to follow traffic instructions and contact Dial 112 in case of any emergency.
