Farmers from Punjab, protesting at the Shambhu border since February for their demands, have announced a march to Delhi today, December 6. Despite their plans to proceed on foot at 1 PM, the Haryana government has denied permission for their movement beyond the border, citing security concerns.
Security has been stepped up in the Haryana and Punjab borders of New Delhi as the Capital braces for the farmers’ march today. Traffic is likely to be hit due to the security arrangements at the border and the central parts of Delhi.
The farmers had sought permission from both Punjab and Haryana governments to carry out their march. While Punjab granted approval, Haryana refused, stating that the farmers lack authorization to protest in Delhi. As a result, Haryana has implemented strict measures to prevent the farmers from advancing beyond the Shambhu border.
In anticipation of the farmers’ march, Haryana Police has fortified the Shambhu border with seven layers of barricading. These include walls, iron nails, and barbed wires to impede movement. Additionally, the Haryana government has deployed 15 paramilitary companies at the site and canceled police personnel’s leave until further notice.
The Haryana police have added three layers of barricading towards the Punjab side. The seven-layer barricading includes a wall, iron nails, barbed wires, etc. Meanwhile, the Punjab police have also increased their strength towards the Shambhu border as the crowd there has been growing.
District authorities are taking no chances, with robust preparations underway to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Ambala SP told reporters on Thursday midnight that ‘adequate security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order.’
He said, “I appeal to all the farmer brothers to please maintain peace. As far as the call to march to Delhi is concerned, they should take proper permission, there is no problem in it.”
“I would like to say through all of you that the district police has made full preparations to maintain law and order.”
When asked that the farmer organizations have given a list of 101 names of the farmer group to the administration and have also said that they will not block the road, the SP only said that ‘security arrangements have been completed.’
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher had said on Thursday that a group of 101 farmer representatives will march to Delhi from Shambhu border at 1 pm on Friday.
For the past nine months, farmers have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
The farmers’ march has also impacted local life, particularly in the Ambala district. As a precautionary measure, the district administration has ordered the closure of all private and government schools today. District Education Officer Suresh Kumar has instructed school authorities to inform parents, principals, and staff about the closure.
Despite Haryana’s denial and the heavy security measures, the farmers remain resolute in their decision to march to Delhi. They have reiterated their intention to proceed on foot starting at 1 PM.
This protest underscores ongoing tensions between the government and farmers, highlighting the farmers’ determination to have their demands addressed.
